News & Commentaries

Keep up-to-date on important city news and announcements

News and information from Council is available below. Also watch for commentaries written by Council members that provide insight into citywide issues.

Akron City Council to meet via videoconference on Monday, April 6th at 7:00 PMApril 02, 2020Last month, Akron City Council took steps to protect the health and safety of Council members and the public by suspending all regularly scheduled in-person City Council meetings and moving all future meetings to a virtual format, throughout the duration of the State of Ohio Stay at Home Order. Today, Akron City Council is announcing its first virtual meeting, which will take place April 6, 2020 at 7:00 PM.Read MoreAkron City Council Holds Last Meeting for 2019, Swearing in New MembersNovember 07, 2019New Members Will be Sworn in and Officers will be ElectedRead MoreFrequently Asked Questions for Snow and Ice ControlOctober 09, 2019Access The City of Akron's Most Frequently Asked Questions for Snow and Ice ControlRead MoreAkron City Council Invites Residents to Celebrate the Cuyahoga River HomecomingJune 18, 2019The Cuyahoga River Homecoming showcases 50 years of environmental progress.Read MoreAccess Akron City Council's Neighborhood Partnership Guidelines and Application RequirementsJune 11, 2019City of Akron neighborhood groups and organizations compete for grant money for their ward.Read MoreAkron City Council Holds Public Hearing for Kenmore/Garfield Community Learning CenterMay 22, 2019Ordinance sought by Akron City Council authorizing conditional use for Kenmore/Garfield CLCRead MoreThe 2019 Akron Summer Reading Program Turns the Page for Another SeasonMay 15, 2019Akron City Council spreads the word about summer reading.Read MoreAkron City Council Congratulates Akon Zips For Winning 2019 Esports NCAA ChampionshipApril 30, 2019The University of Akron Zips win Esports 2019 NCAA ChampionshipRead MoreCouncil Meeting From 4/22/19 Available As AudioApril 23, 2019Contact The Clerk's Office For The Audio From 4/22/19Read More2019 Summer Food Service Program to be Authorized by City CouncilApril 16, 2019Summer Food Service Program To Be ApprovedRead MoreSale of Akron’s Bounce Building Authorized by City Council Facilitates Expansion of the Innovation SpaceApril 10, 2019Progress “bounces” forward for the former B.F. Goodrich campus.Read MorePassage of Ohio House Bill 174 Opposed by CouncilApril 02, 2019As a collective body, Council finds the proposed lack of restrictions on gun carrying laws alarming.Read MoreExciting Summer Concert Series at Lock 3March 28, 2019Lock 3 and the City are actively pursuing top talent for their Summer Concert Series.Read MoreCity Council approved historic designation of 105 Fir HillMarch 19, 2019City Council supports the historic designation of the Martin University Center as a historic landmark.Read MoreCity Council approved funding for The Dru Joyce ClassicMarch 13, 2019City Council's support of The Dru Joyce Classic will inject millions of dollars into the local economy.Read MoreCity Council Honors Akron’s Own James IngramMarch 05, 2019City Council acknowledges and honors Mr. Ingram’s storied career by renaming parts of Fuller Street in the City of Akron to James Ingram Way.Read MoreSignal Supports, Vacation Plat and Replacement Hypo MixersFebruary 26, 2019Council approved the purchase of signal supports and the repair and/or replacement of sodium hypo mixers and accepted a vacation plat.Read MoreCouncil’s Snow and Ice Task Force Sets Clean-up in MotionFebruary 25, 2019Top ten recommendations indicate swift action and ongoing commitmentRead MoreAdditional Plow and Salt Spreader PurchasesFebruary 15, 2019Authorization to purchase plows and salt spreadersRead MoreLease Authorized for Parking Spaces and the Sell of City-owned PropertyFebruary 08, 2019Parking spaces leased and Steiner Avenue property authorized for sellRead MoreCity Council Email DownJanuary 30, 2019Akron City Council members’ emails are still down. The best way to reach members of council is to call them directly. The City of Akron is working diligently to fix this issue.Read MoreCouncil President Sommerville Establishes Snow and Ice Task ForceJanuary 29, 2019Council President Sommerville establishes the Akron City Council Snow and Ice Control Task Force to review procedures regarding how the City responds to snow and ice events and recommend improvements as appropriate.Read MoreCity Council Email and Livestream Down 01-28-2019January 28, 2019Akron City Council will not livestream the January 28, 2019 meeting due to an internet outage. Email is also down.Read MoreAkron Zoo Land Lease RenewalJanuary 18, 2019Council passed an ordinance allowing the City to lease land to the Akron Zoo.Read MoreOld School Soul Band SubmissionsJanuary 11, 2019Submit the name of the old school soul band or performer you would like to see at Lock 3.Read MoreShin-Etsu Silicones of America, Inc. Land OptionJanuary 09, 2019A $600,000 option for the sale of 41.85 acres of city-owned land to be purchased by Shin-Etsu Silicones of America, Inc..Read MoreExpungement ProgramDecember 18, 2018Up to $25,000 will be provided to The University of Akron School of Law to assist the expungement program in 2019Read MoreUpper Cuyahoga River Watershed Management and Fiber-optic CablesDecember 11, 2018Ordinances passed allowing the Director of Public Service agreements about the Upper Cuyahoga River Watershed and the City of Akron owned fiber-optic cables.Read MoreBeyond Expectations Barber College and The Well Community Development CorporationDecember 04, 2018Beyond Expectations Barber College and The Well Community Development Corporation speak to City Council about their plans for the future and funds needed.Read MoreAkron City’s Recycling ProgramNovember 27, 2018Education on recyclable itemsRead MoreCity-owned Land to be Used for a Commercial Driver’s License Driving SchoolNovember 20, 2018Land owned by the City of Akron to be leased and used by Stark State College for CDL training.Read MoreConditional Use for a Self-Storage FacilityNovember 14, 2018A new self-service facility has been granted conditional use of 2000 Brittain Road.Read MoreOnline Payments for Public Utilities and Income TaxesNovember 07, 2018Online and interactive-voice payments for public utilities and income tax departments set for future approvalRead MorePolygraph Tests, and Inspiring Today’s YouthNovember 01, 2018Removal of polygraph tests requirements and grants to improve the civic knowledge of Akron’s youthRead MoreAlternative Pathways to High School GraduationOctober 23, 2018Expressing support for additional pathways to graduationRead MoreBillboards, Parking and BarkingOctober 16, 2018Use of City owned land to be used for a digital billboard, off-street residential parking requirements and the proposed change to the dog-barking ordinance.Read MoreMud Brook Headwaters Conservation Area Grant Application and Summit County Children Services Levy ResolutionsOctober 02, 2018Council supports the Summit County Child Services’ levy and the West Creek Conservancy’s Clean Ohio Greenspace grant application.Read MoreMedical Marijuana, Ghent Road Parking and Dog BarkingSeptember 25, 2018City Council authorized a medical marijuana dispensary and Signet Jewelers Inc.’s planned parking lot. The Safety Committee discussed giving the dog barking ordinance more teeth.Read MoreCouncil Commits to Combat HomelessnessSeptember 18, 2018City Council votes to express continued support to fight homelessness and also votes to not allow the Conditional Use request of a campground/tent community at 15 Broad Street.Read MoreCampground Community Public Hearing, Medical Marijuana and Demolition of the Rubber BowlSeptember 11, 2018Council decided to take additional time on the ordinances addressing a campground/tent community and a medical marijuana dispensary and passed an ordinance allowing the acceptance of a grant to demo the Rubber Bowl.Read MoreCity Road Repairs and Possible Akron Municipal Election in MayJuly 31, 2018City Council passes road repair ordinances and discusses Possible Municipal Election in MayRead MorePossible Municipal Primary Election Date Change and the Romig Road Redevelopment PlanJuly 24, 2018The municipal primary election may be changed from November to May, and plans to redevelop Romig Road will be approved.Read More$8.5 Million Emergency Solutions Grant Program and May Municipal Primary ElectionJuly 10, 2018$8.5 Million Emergency Solutions Grant Program and May Municipal Primary ElectionRead MoreCouncil Agrees to Support Funding for the Community including $25 Million for Improvements to Water SystemsJune 26, 2018Akron City Council agrees to place four different ordinances on the consent agenda for the July 2 City Council meeting.Read MoreAkron Waterways Renewed Resolution PassedJune 19, 2018City Council passed a resolution expressing support for the Akron Waterways Renewed to invest in the infrastructure and to maintain high quality water cost-effectively.Read MoreCouncil Approves Garbage and Refuse Service Charge and Zoning Map ChangesJune 12, 2018Garbage and Refuse Service Charge and Zoning Map ChangesRead MoreBigger Sewer, Green Projects Save City MillionsJune 05, 2018CSO Project: up-sized sewers, green solutions eliminate need for retention basis.Read MoreCity Buys Trees to Restore Land Damaged by CSO ConstructionMay 22, 2018Council approves purchases of trees.Read MoreCouncil Considers New Fees For BeesMay 16, 2018Council considers fees for bees and hoofed animals.Read MoreCouncil Approves Streets, Water and Light ImprovementsMay 01, 2018Council attends to general maintenance items.Read MoreCouncil Raises Age to Buy Tobacco Products From 18 to 21April 19, 2018"Tobacco 21" legislation passes.Read MoreZoning Ammendments Create "West Hill Village"April 19, 2018Zoning amendments create West Hill VillageRead MoreFire Hydrant Painting Program, Two New Apartment Buildings ApprovedApril 11, 2018Fire hydrant painting and apartments approved.Read MoreCouncil Approves Balancing Act Software, New Fire StationApril 03, 2018New fire station, new Balancing Act software approved.Read MoreCouncil Again Debates Legislation to Ban Tobacco and Nicotine Product SalesMarch 27, 2018Debate continues on increasing age to buy tobacco and nicotine products.Read MoreCigarette and Tobacco Sales Under ScrutinyMarch 20, 2018Council considers raising age to buy cigarettes and tobacco products from 18 to 21.Read MoreVote on Budget Expected Next WeekMarch 13, 2018Council considers revised budget proposal.Read MoreCouncil Takes Aim at Assualt WeaponsFebruary 28, 2018Resolution asks for ban on assault-style weapons.Read MoreCity to Contract With Local Organizations to Mow and Maintain LotsFebruary 13, 2018City to hire local organizations to mow publicly-owned lots.Read MoreLand Swap, Loan Guarantee for New Developments ApprovedFebruary 06, 2018Two Akron developments inch closer to reality.Read MoreNew West Side Housing Development Proposed; First People’s Day PassesJanuary 30, 2018New homes proposed for Akron, First People's Day resolution approved.Read MoreResolution Proposes Day Honoring Native AmericansJanuary 23, 2018Council consider First People's Day legislation, hears city budget proposal.Read MoreCouncil Designates Day of Racial HealingJanuary 09, 2018Resolution makes Jan. 16 National Day of Racial Healing in Akron.Read MoreSommerville Elected President of CouncilDecember 19, 2017Margo Sommerville elected to be council president beginning January 1.Read MoreCellular Communications Agreement Nets City $11 millionDecember 12, 2017Cellular agreement nets city $11 million.Read MoreCouncil Paves Way for Growing Businesses to ExpandDecember 05, 2017Conditional use zoning requests granted.Read MoreBody Shop Gets Council Approval to ExpandNovember 28, 2017All Around Body Shop growing.Read MoreCity Seeks Grant for New Business IncubatorNovember 14, 2017City seeks grant for new business incubator, sells city-owned building to successful startup Echogen.Read MoreCouncil Takes Steps to Resolve DifferencesNovember 07, 2017Council begins working toward more professional and respectful debate on issues.Read MoreMiddlebury Commons Wins Council ApprovalNovember 07, 2017Middlebury Commons development approved; city and county prepare lawsuit against drug manufacturers.Read MoreAkron Needs Issue 4 to PassNovember 06, 2017Issue 4 is a 1/4% income tax increase dedicated to new and better equipment for the police and fire departments and road improvements.Read MoreEmails to Council Lost in CyberspaceNovember 06, 2017Website programming error blocks delivery of form emails to council.Read MoreAkron Becomes Purple Heart CityOctober 31, 2017Akron becomes Purple Heart City.Read MoreCouncil Disciplines HochOctober 17, 2017Hoch disciplined for outburst during council meeting.Read MoreUneventful Meeting Ends With Renewed Call for CensureOctober 03, 2017Some council members renew call to censure councilman.Read MoreCouncil President Keith Lays Out Plan to Bridge Divide Among MembersSeptember 26, 2017Keith lays out three-part plan to bridge divide on council.Read MoreHoch Apologizes, Survives Censure VoteSeptember 20, 2017Ward 4 Representative Russ Neal proposed a censure of Ward 6 Representative Bob Hoch for comments directed at his peers. Hoch issued an apology and survived the censure vote.Read MoreCouncil Meetings Now Being Live StreamedSeptember 12, 2017Council now using You Tube to stream live meetings and record them fo r viewing at a later date.Read MoreCouncil Clears Agenda as it Enters Summer RecessAugust 01, 2017Council and committee meetings July 31, 2017Read MoreCouncil Approves Agreement to Streamline Record-KeepingJuly 25, 2017City Council approved a plan between the local governments and courts in Summit County, Barberton, Cuyahoga Falls, Stow and Tallmadege to streamline how legal records are filed and accessed.Read MoreAkron Soul Train to Lease City Land for Artists' VillageJuly 18, 2017Akron City Council voted to enter an agreement with Akron Soul Train to lease and eventually sell an .82-acre land parcel located near the Northside Arts District at 100 N. Canal St.Read MoreIncome Tax Increase to be on November BallotJuly 11, 2017Council approves placing income tax increase on November ballot.Read MoreNew Security System and Fire Truck Make Akron SaferJuly 05, 2017Council approves purchases of a new camera-based surveillance system and fire truck.Read MoreMedical Marijuana Growers Granted Zoning ApprovalsJune 27, 2017Conditional use zoning requests approved for medical marijuana growers.Read MoreFirst Civil Rights Commission Wins AffirmationJune 20, 2017Council affirms seven members of the Civil Rights Commission plus video of Council meetings on Monday, June 19, 2017.Read MoreVeronica Sims Weighs in on Gun ViolenceJune 16, 2017Veronica Sims talks about gun violence and its impact on the city and a multifaceted approach to curbing gun violence.Read MoreCouncil to Consider Medical Marijuana LegislationJune 13, 2017Council to Consider Medical Marijuana LegislationRead MoreLED Display Rental Approved for Summer Movie NightsJune 06, 2017LED display rental approved for summer movie nightsRead MoreEllet Residents Want Basketball Courts ClosedMay 23, 2017Ellet Residents Want Basketball Courts ClosedRead MoreWelcome to Our New Website!May 12, 2017In this Commentary by Council President Marilyn Keith, she talks about council's new website and what else is on the horizon to make Akron City Council more accessible.Read MoreSpeeding on Council's RadarMay 05, 2017Council Representatives Marilyn Keith (W8), Donnie Kammer (W7) and Bob Hoch (W6) have been working behind the scenes to make speed enforcement in neighborhoods a priority for police and the administration.Read MoreCouncil Approves Medical Marijuana LegislationMay 02, 2017Akron City Council voted unanimously to approve legislation to lift the moratorium on medical marijuana and to allow the cultivation, processing and sale of medical marijuana in Akron.Read MoreTax Abatements Approved for New Construction, RenovationsApril 25, 2017City Council approved the mayor's tax abatement initiative to incentivize new housing starts and remodeling within the city.Read MoreAkron considers medical marijuana facilitiesApril 18, 2017Legislation was introduced that would regulate medical marijuana facilities in the City of Akron in anticipation of the State of Ohio's issuance of licenses to businesses for cultivation, processing, testing and dispensing of medical marijuana across the StateRead MoreCouncil to add video recordings of committee meetings to websiteApril 14, 2017While Council considers the logistics of live streaming meetings, President Marilyn Keith has directed that committee meetings be recorded and posted to the City Council website beginning Monday, April 17.Read MoreTax abatement proposal considered by CouncilApril 11, 2017Legislation to abate property taxes on new commercial and home construction and home improvements was introduced at Monday's Council meeting.Read MoreAkron Soul Train begins journeyApril 04, 2017Conditional zoning that will allow a "living community for artists" to be known as Akron Soul Train was approved by Council at Monday's meeting.Read MoreCouncil establishes time for public commentsMarch 28, 2017Following through with its promise to include a time during Council meetings for citizens to speak to Council as a whole, Council changed its rules of procedure Monday night to allow a public comment period at the end of each regularly scheduled Council meeting.Read MoreCouncil considers legislation to create Akron Civil Rights CommissionMarch 21, 2017Legislation was introduced on Monday that would form an Akron Civil Rights Commission to hear discrimination cases and to extend existing protections to the city’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.Read MoreCity asks for grant to study child violenceMarch 14, 2017Council approved the city's application for a $30,000 grant from the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services.Read MoreCouncil approves neighborhood grant programMarch 07, 2017Neighborhood-based organizations in every ward will again be able to apply for grants from the city this year.Read MoreTony Swain law passed by CouncilMarch 01, 2017Legislation that will give school crossing guards the same authority as school bus drivers - to implicate motorists who ignore orders and endanger children - was approved unanimously by Council Monday evening.Read MoreCity budget approved by CouncilFebruary 14, 2017The 2017 capital and operating budgets were approved by Council during Monday's regular meeting.Read MoreBudget, housing hold Council's attentionFebruary 07, 2017The 2017 capital budget continued to hold Council's attention as the administration provided additional details on proposed expenses and some restructuring of city departments.Read MoreResolution opposes Trump immigration banJanuary 31, 2017A week after passing a resolution commending former President Barack Obama for his dedicated service, Council passed a resolution Monday opposing new President Donald Trump's ban on immigration from seven Middle East countries.Read MoreCouncil backs Obama, Affordable Care Act resolutionsJanuary 24, 2017A resolution expressing appreciation to former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, and a resolution opposing a repeal of the Affordable Care Act were supported unanimously at Monday's City Council meeting.Read MoreCouncil returns from holiday recessJanuary 10, 2017During the first meeting of the new year, Akron City Council addressed routine legislation ranging from approving grant applications to unanimously passing a resolution asking Congress to preserve funding for Planned Parenthood.Read MoreCity raises rental unit registration feesDecember 20, 2016Legislation that will require Akron landlords to pay a yearly $15 per rental unit registration fee was approved by Council Monday evening. The legislation capped the maximum a landlord would have to pay at $1,500.Read MoreCouncil takes on high weeds, higher campaign contributionsDecember 13, 2016An ordinance that will allow the city to create a mowing list of unkempt, high-weed lots was approved by Council Monday evening.Read MoreStoney Pointe developer drops request for zoning varianceDecember 06, 2016Stoney Pointe Commons, a development that will provide housing for Akron’s homeless and disabled, withdrew a request to build a parking lot that was smaller than required by Akron’s zoning laws.Read MoreCouncil hears proposal to renovate six downtown buildingsNovember 29, 2016During committee meetings Monday, two developers proposed to invest $33 million in downtown to renovate six buildings, including the Landmark Building at the corner of Main and Bowery Streets.Read MoreCity and county propose sharing IT servicesNovember 22, 2016Mayor Dan Horrigan introduced legislation that will allow the city and county to purchase information technology (IT) consulting services from one another for lower-than-market rates.Read MoreExpungement program awarded 2017 fundingNovember 15, 2016The highly successful criminal record expungement program operated by The University of Akron School of Law won city funding again for 2017.Read MoreCity takes control of dangerous treesNovember 08, 2016City Council approved amendments to the Municipal Code that will allow the city to remove tree limbs that pose a threat to property even if a tree is on private property.Read MoreNorth High soccer wins Council praiseNovember 01, 2016The North High School soccer team crowded Council chambers Monday evening to be recognized for winning its first-ever city series soccer championship.Read MoreCouncil approves fee plan for retiree supplemental benefitsOctober 25, 2016After several weeks of discussions about the costs of providing supplemental benefits for retirees, Council approved an administration proposal to charge retirees the same fees for benefits that active employees pay.Read MoreNew healthcare benefits plan considered by CouncilOctober 18, 2016City Council approved an ordinance that ends retirement healthcare benefits for elected officials and city employees hired after January 1, 2017.Read MoreSchool bond issue settledOctober 04, 2016After several weeks of debate, Council approved selling $30 million in bonds to pay the city’s share for a new high school and Community Learning Center.Read MoreVote delayed again on school bond and retiree benefitsSeptember 27, 2016No vote was taken for the third consecutive week on legislation that would make changes to supplemental benefits for city retirees or an ordinance funding a new high school.Read MoreSupplemental benefits, school rebuilding command Council’s attentionSeptember 20, 2016The presidents of the unions representing Akron police, firefighters and city employees said Monday that they would file lawsuits against the city if legislation affecting supplemental benefits is passed.Read MoreAdministration explains proposed benefit changes to CouncilSeptember 16, 2016Changes to the supplemental benefits package offered to retirees were discussed at a special meeting of Council Thursday.Read MoreMoratorium placed on medical marijuana salesSeptember 13, 2016The state may allow the sale of medical marijuana, but it won't be allowed in Akron until city officials have time to review the new Ohio Medical Marijuana Law and come up with an acceptable plan for cultivation and sales within city limits.Read MoreSummer RecessAugust 04, 2016City Council is on its annual Summer Recess.Read MoreRolling Acres Mall to be demolishedJuly 27, 2016An ordinance allowing the city to hire a demolition company to raze Rolling Acres Mall was approved by Council.Read MoreCouncil takes first step towards new courthouseJuly 19, 2016Council passed an ordinance allowing the city to seek proposals for the design and construction of a new Akron Municipal Court building.Read MoreUtility relief proposals discussedJuly 12, 2016After Council discussed the merits of passing legislation that would protect homeowners, renters and landlords from excessive utility bills caused by a burst pipes or leaking toilets, the city administration presented Council with a new Utility Bill Relief Policy addressing those concerns.Read MoreCouncil says no to Dollar TreeJune 28, 2016Citing the many new dollar stores opening citywide, Council said no to a conditional use zoning request to build a new Dollar Tree on West Portage Trail Extension in The Valley.Read MoreResolutions urging gun control considered by CouncilJune 21, 2016Two resolutions aimed at curbing gun violence came before Council Monday evening.Read MoreWard 5 meeting cancelledJune 16, 2016Ward 5 Council Representative Tara Samples has cancelled her ward meeting scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 16 due to the Kaboom playground build.Read MoreState pays to improve Akron roadwaysJune 14, 2016The State of Ohio will pay 80 percent of the costs for several state roadway resurfacing and bridge maintenance projects within city limits this summer.Read MoreLand sale to Stark State approvedJune 07, 2016Land sale to Stark State approvedRead MoreEllet High School Conditional Use Zoning unalteredMay 27, 2016A Special Meeting of Council called to reconsider the approval of Conditional Use Zoning for the construction of Ellet High School ended with no new vote taken after the City Law Director told Council it cannot re-vote an ordinance it already passed.Read MoreStreet resurfacing projects approvedMay 25, 2016City Council approved spending more than $3.6 million to resurface and reseal about 100 of Akron’s collector and residential streets.Read MoreOne Cascade Plaza to get lighted PNC Bank signMay 17, 2016Council approved a conditional use zoning Monday evening that will allow PNC Bank to install an oversized, lighted logo atop One Cascade Plaza.Read MoreCouncil repeals panhandling ordinanceMay 10, 2016Akron City Council voted Monday to repeal Section 135.10 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Akron entitled “Unlawful panhandling and fraudulent solicitation.”Read MoreAPD to help police RNCMay 03, 2016City Council passed an ordinance Monday that will allow Akron and Cleveland to enter into a mutual aid agreement so that Akron police officers can work at the Republican National Convention in July.Read MoreLiquor permit application draws objectionApril 26, 2016City Council unanimously supported a resolution opposing a liquor permit for the Dollar General Store at 705 South Arlington Street.Read MoreNew Akron Children's Museum coming to Lock 3April 19, 2016City Council approved legislation that will allow a new interactive museum for children to open its doors at Lock 3 this summer.Read MoreCity to sell bond to pay for firefighter settlementApril 12, 2016After taking a week to consider the legislation, City Council passed an ordinance that will allow the administration to sell up to a $5 million bond to pay for a settlement in its lawsuit with firefighters.Read MoreZoning amendment paves way for green paving alternativesApril 05, 2016City Council amended a long-standing zoning code to allow for green paving alternatives within the city.Read MoreCouncil backs basketball tournamentMarch 29, 2016Legislation passed Monday evening will allow the city to hire a management company to run and promote the 2016 King James Shooting Stars Classic and the all-new Lady James Queen's Classic basketball tournaments.Read MoreCouncil talks budget during special meetingMarch 28, 2016With Ward 4 Council Representative Russ Neil taking the lead during a special meeting he requested, Council talked about the city’s operating budget and made a list of initiatives and concerns for further consideration.Read MoreSpecial Council Meeting 3.28.16March 25, 2016Pursuant to Section 33 of the Akron City Charter and Rule 1.2 of the Rules of Procedure for the Akron City Council, please be notified of a Special Council meeting to be held on Monday, March 28 at 11:45 a.m. in the Council Chambers.Read MoreTasers, radar on police blotterMarch 22, 2016Council approved an agreement with Taser International to trade in and buy new tasers for the police department, taking advantage of buy-back discount being offered by the company.Read MoreCity to put checkbook onlineMarch 16, 2016Mayor Dan Horrigan and his administration won City Council's full support Monday evening for proposing to make the city's finances transparent by putting its check register online on OhioCheckbook.com.Read MoreCouncil approves moves to help Akron development projectsMarch 08, 2016Legislation that will allow the Cascade Lofts redevelopment project to add retail to its mixed use plans was passed by Council Monday evening.Read MoreCity trades property to make way for gardenMarch 01, 2016The city is making a trade with the Akron Art Museum: property on the west side of Broadway Street for equal property on the east side.Read MoreAkron company reinvests in AkronFebruary 23, 2016Tlc Lawn Maintenance is relocating from its home on Hickory Street to make way for the Ohio Canal Interceptor Tunnel Project.Read More2016 capital investment budget approvedFebruary 09, 2016A capital budget of more than $450 million was approved by Council Monday evening, with almost half of the money earmarked for the massive sewer project and the central interchange project involving the Main Street and South Broadway ramps.Read MoreCouncil changes staff reporting structureFebruary 02, 2016New Council rules were approved Monday evening that shift the reporting responsibilities for the Council staff from the President to the Vice President of Council.Read MorePay raises for city workers approvedJanuary 29, 2016During a special meeting Thursday, City Council approved pay raises and new healthcare benefits for all union and non-union city workers with the exception of the mayor.Read MoreSpecial Council MeetingJanuary 27, 2016The Leadership of Akron City Council, President Marilyn Keith, Vice-President Margo Sommerville and President Pro-Tem Donnie Kammer, have called a Special Meeting.Read MoreNew surface planned for Canton and Darrow RoadsJanuary 26, 2016Council passed legislation Monday evening that approved an agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation to resurface Canton and Darrow Roads in Akron this year.Read MoreCharter amendment to modernize HR department approved for March ballotJanuary 12, 2016City Council approved placing a charter amendment on the March 23 ballot that will allow the mayor to hire a human resources director.Read MoreKeith elected Council PresidentJanuary 06, 2016Council’s official business Monday evening was limited to the election of officers and the appointment of committee chairs and members.Read MoreNew era for Council beginsDecember 15, 2015A new era for Akron City Council began Monday evening. Four of Council's 13 Representatives participated in their last Council meeting, and the new Council - all Representatives now serving four-year terms - were sworn into office.Read MoreCity shines light on Global Business AcceleratorDecember 08, 2015Akron’s Global Business Accelerator, which is an incubator for entrepreneurs who are driving the advancement of technology, is backing one of its own tenants by installing a solar-powered LED lighting system throughout the building.Read MoreCouncil agrees to delay election of officers until January 4 meetingDecember 05, 2015An ordinance that delays the election of Council officers until the first regularly scheduled meeting of 2016 was approved by Council during a special Saturday morning meeting.Read MoreSpecial Council meeting called for SaturdayDecember 04, 2015Council President Mike Freeman and Vice President Margo Sommerville have called a Special Council Meeting for Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015, 8:30 a.m. in Council Chambers.Read MoreVoters to decide on natural gas aggregationDecember 01, 2015Akron will ask voters to decide in the March 2016 election if they want the city to pursue a gas aggregation plan for residents.Read MoreGreen task force created to develop street planNovember 24, 2015Council agreed Monday night to create a “Livable, Complete and Green Streets Task Force” whose job it will be to guide how the city plans, repairs and replaces streets in the future.Read MoreGroup home plan rejectedNovember 17, 2015Plans to establish a group home for eight residents on East Buchtel Avenue were met by an adverse report at Monday’s Council meeting.Read MoreCouncil takes time to consider proposed group homeNovember 10, 2015A public hearing on a request to establish a group home for eight adults on East Buchtel Avenue ended with Council taking time after questions were raised about adequate parking and fire safety concerns.Read MoreCouncil makes safety its priorityNovember 03, 2015With body cameras and new handguns already on the way for police, Council gave a nod to legislation Monday that will add some new body armor and ammunition for police as well as new equipment for the fire department and repairs to 50 broken or damaged fire hydrants.Read MoreCouncil pulls trigger on deal for new gunsOctober 27, 2015Akron police officers soon will be receiving new duty handguns thanks to a deal Public Safety Chair Donnie Kammer called a “no-brainer.”Read MoreRezoning approvals could reshape WallhavenOctober 20, 2015Seven ordinances amending zoning in the Wallhaven Neighborhood Business District were approved by Council last night, paving the way for Whole Foods to replace West Point Market and for a major increase of commercial and retail businesses in the area.Read MoreCouncil asks city to look into South Arlington Street zoning violationsOctober 06, 2015The owner of a used car lot at 959 South Arlington Street may have kicked a hornets nest when he asked Council to pass conditional use zoning that would allow him to retain a gravel parking lot for his business.Read MorePolice officers to get body camerasSeptember 29, 2015Council learned on Monday that Akron was one of a dozen mid-sized cities nationwide to be awarded grants to buy body cameras for police officers.Read More30-year bond to replace 20-year sewer loanSeptember 22, 2015City Council approved replacing a 20-year loan with a 30-year bond, which will extend the time the city’s water customers have to pay for sewer repairs and consequently lower their annual costs.Read MoreCouncil puts hold on oil and gas leaseSeptember 15, 2015Following a rash of citizen complaints about both oil and gas wells in the city and rushing legislation through Council, the Planning Committee asked for time on two pieces of new legislation that would have authorized the lease of two city-owned properties to an oil and gas drilling company.Read MoreCouncil on summer recess until Sept. 14August 17, 2015Council on summer recess until Sept. 14Read MoreCouncil asks EPA, Federal Judge to modify Consent DecreeJuly 28, 2015Saying they only want Akron to be treated the same as other Ohio cities making repairs to old sewers, City Council passed a resolution Monday evening asking the EPA and Department of Justice to allow the city to implement green solutions and eliminate unnecessary projects in the Akron Waterways Renewed sewer separation plan.\Read MoreWest Point Marketplace plans explainedJuly 21, 2015The developers of the newly proposed West Point Marketplace say they plan to create a destination retail complex that will anchor the Wallhaven retail district for years to come.Read MoreWater leaks, state authority grab Council's attentionJuly 14, 2015Council passed a resolution Monday evening to explore technology and other options for alerting water customers when a leak is detected and providing financial relief when their water bill spikes due to the leak.Read MoreForney, Hefner take oath of officeJuly 07, 2015Judge Thomas Teodosio at the start of Monday evening City Council meeting swore two new Council Representatives into office.Read MoreForney chosen for vacant At Large seatJuly 01, 2015Community activist DeAndre Forney was selected from 17 candidates to fill the At Large seat on Council that was vacated when Jeff Fusco became Mayor. Forney’s knowledge of city issues and community involvement in the Urban League, Young Democrats and United Way were cited as attributes that separated him from the field. Selection Committee Chair Margo Sommerville said Forney also met a key criteria: he is not running for Council in the November election. She said the Committee did not want to give any candidate an advantage by recommending them for the vacant seat. Council approved Forney's appointment unanimously.

June 29, 2015 from Akron City Council on Vimeo.Read MoreTwo private development proposals win Council supportJune 23, 2015A plan to build a three-story, 89,000 square-foot addition on the Signet campus (formerly Sterling Jewelers) was placed on next week’s consent agenda, which means it is likely to pass without discussion. The $18 million expansion will create space for an additional 100 to 200 employees. Council also approved selling 5 acres of land in the Firestone North Urban Renewal area to Akron Paint and Varnish, one of Akron’s oldest businesses. The company plans to build a warehouse and testing facility on the property, adding 10 new jobs when completed and 30 to 40 new jobs over the next three years.

June 22, 2015 from Akron City Council on Vimeo.Read MoreHefner selected as new Ward 10 RepresentativeJune 16, 2015Jack Hefner, president of the United Steelworkers Local 2, was chosen from three candidates to replace Garry Moneypenny as Ward 10 Council Representative.Read MoreNew Council officers chosen at special meetingJune 12, 2015Ward 9 Council Representative Mike Freeman won a unanimous vote of confidence during a special session of Council after ascending into the president's position on Thursday when former-President Jeff Fusco became mayor. President Pro Tem Margo Sommerville, Ward 3, ascended to the vice president's position, and Donnie Kammer, Ward 7, was elected president pro tem. Council also debated committee appointments, but new President Mike Freeman chose to delay any appointments until Council names new Ward 10 and At Large Representatives. Both appointments are expected within two weeks, he said. The Ward 10 position opened when former Council Representative Garry Moneypenny became mayor. The At Large vacancy opened when Council President Jeff Fusco replaced Moneypenny as mayor following his resignation.

June 11, 2015 from Akron City Council on Vimeo.Read MoreFree vehicle safety inspections set for June 20June 10, 2015The Akron Independent Police Auditor, Akron Police Department, Summit County Sheriff’s Department and the Ohio State Highway Patrol announced they will conduct free vehicle safety inspections at two locations on June 20.Read MoreCouncil calls special meeting to discuss Presidency, Council vacanciesJune 09, 2015Moneypenny's resignation makes At Large Representative and Council President Jeff Fusco Mayor of Akron.Read MoreConcrete crushing business given okay to openJune 01, 2015City Council Monday evening approved establishing a concrete crushing business on West Waterloo Road, but this business is different.Read MoreFusco named Council PresidentJune 01, 2015At-large Representative Jeff Fusco was elected Council President on the day former President Garry Moneypenny began serving as Mayor. The election took place during a special lunchtime session of Council. Fusco said he would nurture a new spirit of respect and courtesy among Council members. The Committee on Committees met after Fusco’s appointment and named Ward 8 Representative Marilyn Keith to succeed Fusco’s as Chair of the powerful Planning Committee. The President of Council cannot serve on a standing committee. It also created a new Green Committee chaired by Ward 1 Representative Rich Swirsky.

June 1, 2015 from Akron City Council on Vimeo.Read MoreCouncil calls special meeting Monday at noonMay 29, 2015Pursuant to Section 33 of the Akron City Charter and Rule 1.2 of the Rules of Procedure for Akron City Council, a special meeting will be held on Monday, June 1, 12:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.Read MoreCouncil makes plans for new Ward 10 and Council President positionsMay 18, 2015City Council held two meetings Monday evening; the first a special meeting in which members discussed filling the Ward 10 and Council President seats and the second the regular meeting to legislate city business.Read MoreStreet resurfacing budget increasedMay 11, 2015Council shifted another $500,000 into Akron's 2015 street resurfacing budget Monday evening.Read MoreLand purchase approved for Dollar TreeMay 04, 2015City Council passed legislation that will allow the city to buy and sell land in the Edgewood Urban Renewal Area so that a private developer can build a new Dollar Tree store.Read MoreNorth Hill refugees support Welcoming City resolutionApril 28, 2015A resolution declaring Akron as an immigrant-friendly, welcoming city was introduced to Council and supported by many refugees who spoke during the public comment period Monday evening.Read MoreState Legislature draws Council's ireApril 21, 2015Two resolutions passed by Council Monday evening targeted the state legislature for ongoing attempts to cut funding to cities and home rule.Read MoreCouncil resolves to help former prisoners find jobsApril 14, 2015Council passed a resolution urging the city and local employers that do work with the city to evaluate their policies that address the hiring of citizens returning from prison Monday evening.Read MoreNew animal neglect, tethering law passesApril 08, 2015Dogs can’t speak for themselves, so City Council is speaking up for them and telling Akron residents to take care of their pets or face serious consequences.Read MoreCouncil putting teeth in animal protection lawMarch 31, 2015If you own a dog, cat or other domestic animal, be prepared to accept more responsibility for their care.Read MoreResolution sparks debateMarch 25, 2015A resolution that could make it easier for felons who served their time to find employment with the city led to impassioned debate at Council Monday evening.Read MoreAkron City Council approves new parking legislationMarch 18, 2015Akron City Council approved legislation to ban residents from parking vehicles within the non-driveway side yard area on their property.Read MoreMayor, Council talk trucksMarch 10, 2015Council passed a resolution Monday evening urging the administration to explore new road resurfacing materials and technologies, but most of Monday’s legislative action occurred earlier in the day during the Public Service Committee meeting where Mayor Plusquellic explained his proposal to spend $1.9 million on dump and cement trucks for the Combined Sewer Overflow project.Read MoreCity takes first step to start construction companyMarch 03, 2015Legislation was introduced Monday evening that would allow the city to spend up to $1.9 million on six concrete trucks and four dump trucks.Read MoreCouncil heading to Columbus to fight H.B. 53February 24, 2015Calling it an attack on Akron and its residents, City Council passed a resolution Monday evening opposing House Bill 53, which includes provisions that will block the city from requiring contractors to hire local workers.Read MoreCity budget passes musterFebruary 10, 2015The city’s 2015 capital budget was passed by City Council with some revisions Monday evening.Read MoreSupport for tax credits given to new housing projectsFebruary 03, 2015Council passed two resolutions in support of state tax credits for two affordable housing projects in the city’s Lane-Wooster and North Hill areas.Read MoreCouncil talks budgetJanuary 27, 2015City Council began its review of Akron's proposed budget on Monday.Read MoreComplaints prompt Council to rethink tire sales, Family DollarJanuary 13, 2015Council is considering an amendment to the zoning code that will stop retail businesses from selling tires unless their property is zoned for commercial use.Read MoreJanuary proclaimed Human Trafficking Awareness MonthJanuary 06, 2015Council President Garry Moneypenny read a proclamation naming January Human Trafficking Awareness Month at Monday evening's Council meeting.Read MoreCouncil approves body camera test, raises campaign contribution limitsDecember 16, 2014Council approved an ordinance allowing the Akron Police Department to test body-worn cameras at Monday's Council meeting - the last meeting of the calendar year.Read MoreResolution urges Congress to back police body camera proposalDecember 09, 2014City Council unanimously passed a resolution urging Congress to pass legislation enacting the Body Worn Camera Partnership Program.Read MoreWard 10 meeting moves to new HiltonDecember 09, 2014Ward 10 Council Representative Garry Moneypenny is holding a ward meeting Tuesday, Dec. 9, at a special location - The East End's newly opened Hilton Garden Inn at 1337 West Market St. The meeting begins at 6 p.m.Read MoreCitizens ask Council for police body camerasDecember 02, 2014On the day that President Barack Obama proposed spending $75 million in federal funds for police body cameras, Akron residents asked City Council to find money to buy body cameras for the Akron police department.Read MoreMoneypenny, Mayor ask for review of campaign finance reportsNovember 25, 2014Council President Garry Moneypenny announced at the end of Monday's Council meeting that he and Mayor Don Plusquellic have asked for an independent audit of all Council and mayoral campaign finance reports from 2011 to present.Read MoreWater and sewer systems get Council's attentionNovember 18, 2014Akron's water and sewer system took front stage during Monday's committee and Council meetings.Read MoreOlder police officers wantedNovember 11, 2014If you think of 35 as old, then the city wants older police officers to apply.Read MoreNew water meter reading system consideredNovember 04, 2014The city wants to purchase new handheld water meter reading equipment to replace the two, decade-old systems now being used.Read MoreNurse Amber Vinson hailed as heroOctober 28, 2014A resolution commending Akron-native Amber Vinson for her extraordinary professionalism and courage was passed unanimously by City Council Monday evening.Read MoreExpungement program funded for 2015October 23, 2014Council returned from its Columbus Day break Monday evening to pass legislation that will provide $25,000 to the University of Akron so that its law school can continue to provide legal assistance to people who want to have criminal convictions expunged from their records.Read MoreCouncil off for Columbus DayOctober 13, 2014City Council offices are closed and Council will not meet on Monday, Oct. 13, to celebrate Columbus Day. The holiday, which is observed by many countries, celebrates the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the Americas on Oct. 12, 1492. Latin America celebrates it as Discovery Day. Spain, Italy, Argentina, Belize and Uruguay are other countries that also celebrate the holiday.Read MoreFlood-prone houses purchased by cityOctober 07, 2014Council approved an ordinance Monday evening authorizing the city to purchase three properties on 31st Street that are prone to frequent flooding.Read MoreResolution urging ban on powdered alcohol passesSeptember 30, 2014Calling it a bad idea all around, Council unanimously passed a resolution urging the state legislature to ban the sale of powdered alcohol in Ohio.Read MoreNew developments approvedSeptember 25, 2014A new dog boarding and training facility and a new shopping plaza were approved by Council during Monday’s meeting.Read MoreResolution honors longtime Council follower ChambersSeptember 17, 2014Ethel Chambers was a regular at Akron City Council meetings, and Council honored her Monday evening with a resolution recognizing her many years of community service and activism.Read MorePublic-private partners aim to improve fire safetySeptember 09, 2014The Akron Fire Department estimates that there are more than 5,000 homes in Akron without a single smoke detector.Read MoreCouncil comes off break Sept. 8September 04, 2014City Council will swing back into action Monday, Sept. 8. Committee meetings begin at 2 p.m., and the full Council will meet at 7 p.m. Monday's meeting includes a public hearing on the construction of a mixed use development at 21 West North St.Read MoreCouncil backs plan to treat opiate addictionsJuly 29, 2014Noting that heroin is the leading cause of accidental deaths in Ohio, City Council passed a resolution supporting the “Breaking Addiction Act of 2014,” a House Bill that will help fund a test program for community-based opiate addiction treatment.Read MoreRockynol gets OK for new facilityJuly 23, 2014West Akron retirement community Rockynol will be building a new 64-room, $9 million assisted living facility at its 1150 West Market Street location.Read MoreSales tax and speeders peak Council interestJuly 17, 2014City Council held a rare caucus Tuesday afternoon to delve more deeply into some key issues affecting the city.Read MoreStorm damage adds upJuly 15, 2014The severe storms that raked Akron in late May and early June cost the city nearly $750,000 in emergency repairs.Read MoreCity donates houses for renovationsJuly 08, 2014Council approved donating four dilapidated houses owned by the city to two non-profit development companies that will renovate them using Federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds.Read MoreCouncil approves money to buy EACHJuly 01, 2014After weeks of deliberations and countless commentaries from concerned citizens, City Council passed legislation Monday evening that will allow the city to buy the East Akron Community House building from Fifth third Bank, the lien holder that foreclosed on the property.Read MoreFunding for East Akron Community House one step closerJune 24, 2014An ordinance authorizing the mayor to purchase the East Akron Community House building was placed by Council Monday evening on next Monday’s consent agenda.Read MoreDowntown Akron Doggies wins Council praiseJune 17, 2014Downtown Akron’s first pet daycare and kennel won Council’s approval Monday evening when it approved zoning changes that will allow the small business start up to move into a vacant building at 90 South Maple Street.Read MoreRezoning for The East End approvedJune 11, 2014The redevelopment of the former Goodyear World Headquarters into a lifestyle center named The East End took another step forward with Council’s approval of new zoning for the northwest side of the campus.Read MoreCouncil hears new plan to save services in East AkronJune 03, 2014New legislation was introduced at Monday’s Council meeting that will allow the city to buy the building at 550 South Arlington Street from which East Akron Community House provided services.Read MoreFood trucks now allowed DowntownMay 20, 2014Following nine months of research into food truck legislation in other communities and after assembling a special committee of government and civic leaders to evaluate options, Council voted unanimously to allow food trucks to operate in designated downtown areas.Read MoreFood trucks and East Akron Community House decisions delayedMay 13, 2014Food truck operators and the East Akron Community House will wait at least another week to learn the fate of legislation affecting them.Read MoreUPA funds approved; city to manage CSO projectMay 06, 2014City Council gave its approval to spend $158,000 to help pay off debts owed by University Park Alliance.Read MoreUPA, EACH support being consideredApril 29, 2014Council President Garry Moneypenny and Mayor Don Plusquellic introduced legislation at Monday’s Council meeting that could resolve some of the financial woes facing University Park Alliance and East Akron Community House.Read MoreSave A Lot on South Main wins approvalApril 22, 2014A discount grocer is coming to an underserved neighborhood in South Akron.Read MoreApril 30 is deadline for mortgage assistanceApril 18, 2014If your income has dropped or medical expenses have strained your finances, you may qualify for mortgage assistance from Save the Dream Ohio, even if your household income is above $100,000.Read MoreWest Akron neighbors oppose rezoning for businessApril 15, 2014A request to turn a single family home at 1480 West Market Street into an office building met with strong opposition from its West Akron neighbors at Monday's Council meeting.Read MoreFormer Councilman says let EACH foldApril 08, 2014One week after East Akron Community House board members appealed to Council for support, former-ward 5 Councilman Ken Jones urged Council to save the services provided by EACH, but to let the organization collapse.Read MoreEACH reaches out to Council for helpApril 01, 2014Several members of the board of directors of the East Akron Community House addressed Council during the public comment period to defend the organization, acknowledge mistakes and ask for support.Read MoreCouncil hears TruthMarch 26, 2014Monday evening's Council meeting ended with a surprise visit from Sojourner Truth, portrayed by retired Akron school teacher Hazel Malone.Read MoreCity budget approvedMarch 18, 2014Council approved a $582 million budget for Akron in 2014.Read MoreCLC, medical office and senior housing pass musterMarch 11, 2014Three public hearings resulted in three votes approving zoning changes that will allow the construction of Harris Community Learning Center at 1085 Clifton Avenue, a new medical office building on White Pond Drive and a 40-unit senior housing complex at 894 Kenmore Boulevard.Read MoreCouncil speaks out against voter discriminationMarch 04, 2014Calling it "an attack on on democracy" and minority and disabled voters, Council President Garry Moneypenny called the question and Council voted unanimously for a resolution opposing Ohio Senate Bills 205, which restricts mailing absentee ballots, and 238, which shortens the early voting period.Read MoreGay Games wins supportFebruary 25, 2014A resolution supporting Gay Games IX passed Council Monday evening after its Executive Director, Tom Nobbe, told Council during a special afternoon meeting that the games will provide a big boost to the Akron economy.Read MoreAdult day care expansion rejectedFebruary 11, 2014An adult day care home near a Kenmore school and church was turned down in its request to increase capacity from 5 to 8 adults.Read MoreCSO "Integrated Plan" wins with CouncilFebruary 06, 2014Council approved an ordinance in a close 8-5 vote that will allow the city to continue working with the EPA to solve Akron's long-standing CSO (Combined Sewer Overflow) problems.Read MoreSenior citizen development gets supportFebruary 03, 2014A resolution that will help the development of senior citizen apartments in Ward 3 was approved by Council.Read MoreFirestone North Urban Renewal Plan approvedJanuary 14, 2014About 330 acres surrounding the new Bridgestone Americas Technical Center in South Akron was declared a blighted area by City Council Monday evening, paving the way for major improvements.Read MoreCouncil backs UPA loan, thanks Jones for serviceDecember 17, 2013Council approved legislation that will allow the city to guarantee a $600,000 debt owed to Valley Savings Bank by University Park Alliance.Read MorePhase 2 of Commons at Madaline Park approvedDecember 10, 2013A second apartment building with 60-units will soon rise on Brownstone Avenue in the Commons at Madaline Park, a low-income development for veterans, disabled and the homeless.Read MoreNew Council Representatives take offices earlyDecember 03, 2013With voters having elected new Ward 1 and Ward 2 Council Representatives based on the city’s redrawn ward boundaries, City Council President Garry Moneypenny introduced legislation Monday evening to adopt the new boundaries and swear in new Ward 1 Councilman Rich Swirsky effective December 1 rather than the traditional January 1 date.Read MoreBridgestone land rezonedNovember 26, 2013Council passed legislation Monday evening to create a Planned Development District in South Akron around the new Bridgestone Americas’ technical center.Read MoreFurnace Street plan approvedNovember 20, 2013Council approved the Furnace Street Urban Renewal Plan Monday evening, positioning the city to provide tax increment financing for businesses moving into the Renewal Area.Read MoreKilby resigns from CouncilNovember 13, 2013Ward 2 Council Representative Bruce Kilby has submitted his resignation from Council effective Nov. 30. Kilby lost his bid for an At Large seat on Council in the September primary.Read MoreCouncil keeps Election Eve meeting briefNovember 05, 2013There was little legislation to discuss at Monday's Council meeting on the eve of the General Election.Read MoreConditional zoning requests rejectedOctober 29, 2013Three conditional zoning requests considered by Council Monday evening resulted in one approval and two rejections.Read MoreExpungement program gets fundingOctober 23, 2013The program co-created by City Council and The University of Akron Law School to help convicted felons clear their records was given $25,000 by Council to continue operating another year.Read MoreSupport for Issues 1, 2, 3 and 4October 09, 2013A resolution offered by Mayor Plusquellic to support for Issues 1, 2, 3 and 4 was passed by City Council Monday evening.Read MoreCouncil opposes Ohio “Stand Your Ground” lawOctober 01, 2013A resolution opposing House Bill 203 and its new “Stand Your Ground” law was passed by City Council Monday evening.Read MoreCouncil lays groundwork for Greystone redevelopmentSeptember 24, 2013Greystone Hall was designated as a historic landmark and Council approved a lease between Greystone Partners and the city Monday evening, laying the groundwork for the developers to apply for historical tax credits.Read MoreHistoric designations granted to buildings set for renovationsSeptember 18, 2013City Council approved historic designations for buildings at Canal Place that once housed Firestone Tire manufacturing operations and a century-building on Furnace Street that will become the new home for WhiteSpace Creative, an advertising, marketing, web design and public relations company.Read MoreVoters to decide on steam plant ownerSeptember 03, 2013City leaders want to give Akron's troubled steam and chilled water system to Children's Hospital.Read MoreSpecial Council meeting set for Friday, Aug. 30August 27, 2013Charter amendment to give steam plant to Children's Hospital to be considered.Read MoreCouncil votes to "Ban the Box," Mayor gives update on CSO ProgramJuly 30, 2013A resolution urging the Akron Civil Service Commission to change its hiring practices towards convicted felons was passed unanimously by Council Monday evening.Read MoreSewer rebuild project to create jobs for Akron workersJuly 24, 2013A combination of legislation and resolutions approved by Council Monday evening guarantee that Akron residents will be first-in-line for jobs created by the city’s $800 million sewer rebuilding project.Read MoreCouncil to support local hiring for CSO projectJuly 22, 2013Three pieces of legislation will be presented to Council tonight relating to future construction projects including the Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) projects.Read MoreFlood victims ask Council for helpJuly 16, 2013About a dozen victims of flooding in West Akron asked Council for help ranging from cleaning debris from sewers to buying their flooded homes during Monday evening’s public comment period.Read MoreCouncil creates committee to study food trucksJuly 09, 2013At large Council Representative Jeff Fusco will chair a special committee convened by City Council to study the impact food trucks may have on downtown restaurants.Read MoreCouncil asks Akron to search for Taylor RobinsonJuly 02, 2013A resolution passed by Council Monday evening declared Friday, July 5, “Get out and search for Taylor Robinson” day.Read MoreAkron Zoo makes case for renewal levyJune 25, 2013Pat Simmons, Chief Executive Officer of the Akron Zoo, and Daisy, a South American banded armadillo, visited Council Monday evening to talk about Grizzly Ridge, the zoo’s $12.8 million new exhibit; announce the dates for Akron Community Days; and ask for support for the Akron Zoo’s renewal levy in November.Read MoreHighland Square development approvedJune 18, 2013Legislation permitting the construction of a new apartment building with first-floor retail space was approved by Council Monday evening.Read MoreEACH employees speak out during public comment periodJune 11, 2013Council chambers was filled to capacity Monday evening as employees of East Akron Community House came to ask Council for help during the public comment period.Read MoreCity buys tech center from BridgestoneJune 04, 2013City Council approved the sale of $5 million in bonds to purchase the old Bridgestone Technical Center and is seeking developers interested in acquiring the historic property.Read MoreCyber-attack assistance extendedMay 22, 2013EXPERION AGRESS TO WAIVE CREDIT FREEZE FEERead MoreCity assisting victims of cyber attackMay 21, 2013Tuesday and Wednesday, May 21 and 22, City of Akron attorneys will be at six Akron community centers to talk to residents about what they can do if they are on the list of people whose information was compromised by the cyber-attack that occurred last week.Read MoreMother of missing teen makes plea to CouncilMay 14, 2013Carmilla Robinson, the mother of a missing Akron teen, made an emotional plea before Council Monday evening asking that police and citizens don't give up the search for her daughter.Read MoreResolutions oppose new judge, praise LeBronMay 07, 2013Council took a stand Monday evening opposing an amendment to H.B. 59 that would mandate Summit County add a second judge to the Court of Common Please Juvenile Division without providing funds to pay for it.Read MoreUA students pack Council Chambers; ask for help from city leadersApril 30, 2013UA students and their supporters opposed to closing a university office dedicated to helping minorities asked Council to intercede on their behalf during the public comment period of Monday’s Council meeting.Read MoreMayflower redevelopment to proceedApril 23, 2013Legislation authorizing the city to apply for a federal loan to redevelop Mayflower Manor was approved by Council Monday evening.Read MoreInvestment in Cascade Plaza secures First Merit headquartersApril 16, 2013Council gave the go ahead Monday evening for the city to finish rehabilitating Cascade Plaza's parking deck as the lynchpin of a deal that will retain 450 and add 150 jobs at First Merit Corporation in downtown.Read MoreNew student housing put on hold for 120 daysApril 02, 2013At Large Council Representative Jeff Fusco and Council President Garry Moneypenny offered a resolution during Monday's council meeting to place a 120-day moratorium on City incentives for new student housing developments while research on off-campus student housing is conducted.Read MoreCouncil takes time to consider Mayflower's futureApril 02, 2013Residents of Mayflower Manor voiced apprehension at a public hearing Monday evening as Council decides the fate of the historic downtown landmark.Read MoreAkron goes green on golf coursesMarch 26, 2013Akron's two city-owned public golf courses will be among the first in America to feature clean, green golf carts.Read MoreViolence Against Women Act backed by CouncilMarch 19, 2013On the 20th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act, City Council passed a resolution of support for the Act that expanded protections for victims of domestic violence.Read MoreTexting and driving ban, home seller disclosure law passMarch 12, 2013Texting and driving is now against the law in Akron.Read MoreNew “texting while driving” legislation proposedFebruary 26, 2013New legislation addressing texting and accessing the internet while driving was proposed Monday evening by Council Representative Jeff Fusco and Ken Jones as an alternative to legislation previously proposed by Mike Williams and Donnie Kammer.Read MoreBudget flush with money for sewersFebruary 13, 2013Council Monday approved a $222 million capital investment budget for 2013 with 45 percent of the money going for combined sewer overflow repairs.Read MoreOld schoolhouse gets historic designationFebruary 07, 2013Council approved an ordinance designating the old schoolhouse in Judith Bear Isroff Park as a historic landmark.Read MoreTexting, home sale disclosure take center stage at Council meetingJanuary 29, 2013Council President Garry Moneypenny (W10) and Mayor Don Plusquellic introduced legislation at Monday's Council meeting that would require a homeowner to disclose any notices of housing code violations to any potential buyer.Read MoreCouncil considers stiffer charge for texting while drivingJanuary 15, 2013New legislation introduced at Monday evening's Council meeting will subject persons who write, read or send a text message or access the internet while operating a motor vehicle to a charge of reckless operation.Read MoreMargo Sommerville succeeds father as Ward 3 Council RepresentativeJanuary 09, 2013Margo Sommerville, the daughter of long-time Ward 3 Councilman and Council President Marco Sommerville, who resigned to accept a position in the Mayor’s cabinet, now represents Ward 3.Read MoreCouncil honors Sommerville, accepts applications for Ward 3 vacancyDecember 18, 2012Akron City Council accepted the resignation of longtime President and Ward 3 Councilman Marco Sommerville at Monday evening's meeting and passed a resolution expressing appreciation for his many years of service.Read MoreCampaign contribution limits riseDecember 11, 2012An ordinance raising the limits for campaign contributions to ward and citywide candidates was passed by Council Monday evening.Read MoreCouncil leadership changesDecember 04, 2012At Monday evening's Council meeting, just hours after Mayor Don Plusquellic announced that he had picked Council President Marco Sommerville to join his cabinet as Planning Director, the 24-year Ward 3 Council Representative and 14-year Council President resigned his leadership position and acknowledged that the Dec. 17 Council meeting would be his last.Read MoreMayor names Sommerville new Planning DirectorDecember 03, 2012Mayor Plusquellic today named veteran City Council President Marco Sommerville as the City's new Planning Director.Read MoreWage adjustments approved for city workersNovember 28, 2012An ordinance providing for wage increases for all city employees was approved by Council at Monday's meeting.Read MoreNew construction rising in AkronNovember 20, 2012Two new construction projects valued at more than $75 million were approved following public hearings at Council Monday night.Read MoreZoning approved for Learning CentersNovember 15, 2012Three public hearings were held by Council Monday night to allow citizens to comment on the proposed Hatton, Seiberling and King Community Learning Centers.Read MoreIssue 3 passesNovember 07, 2012The charter amendment proposed to save Akron taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars by electing all city officials on the same four-year cycle was passed by voters during yesterday's general election.Read MoreRedistricting plan passes, new map now onlineNovember 06, 2012Akron's 10 wards now have a different shape. Council approved the redistricting plan presented at last week's Council meeting with just a few minor modifications.Read MoreCouncil hears redistricting plansOctober 30, 2012Bob Dykes of Triad Research Group presented a plan to Council to reshape Akron's 10 wards at a special meeting Monday, Oct. 29.Read MoreSommerville calls special meeting to discuss redistrictingOctober 26, 2012Akron City Council will begin talking about how to reshape Akron's 10 wards at a special Council meeting Monday, October 29, 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.Read MoreGrant to help enforce traffic lawsOctober 16, 2012Funding from Ohio's FY 2013 High Visibility Enforcement Overtime Grant will help pay for Akron police traffic control in high incident areas.Read MoreNew stadium lease approvedOctober 11, 2012A new 25-year Canal Park stadium lease agreement with the Akron Aeros was approved by Council during a special meeting today.Read MoreCouncil to meet ThursdayOctober 09, 2012Council President Marco Sommerville has called for a special meeting of Council on Thursday, Oct. 11 at 10 a.m. to vote on a new stadium lease agreement with the Akron Aeros.Read MoreAkron Aeros trade ownersOctober 02, 2012Council President Marco Sommerville told Council members Monday night that the Akron Aeros are being sold and the city is negotiating a new stadium lease with the new owner.Read MoreDigital billboard decision delayedSeptember 25, 2012A public hearing on the merits of digital billboards ended with Council taking time to further consider the proposal at Monday's Council meeting.Read MoreCouncil takes time on rezoning after residents protestSeptember 18, 2012One after the other, West Hill residents marched to the podium for almost an hour during two public hearings at Monday's City Council meeting to speak their minds about two conditional use zoning requests in their neighborhood.Read MoreCouncil passes resolutions supporting Issue 3 and Children’s Services LevySeptember 11, 2012A resolution urging Akron residents to support a renewal levy for Summit County Children's Services passed unanimously, but a resolution urging support for Issue 3 sparked debate on the Council floor Monday evening before passing by a 10 - 3 vote.Read MoreFusco, Sommerville to co-host all-ward meetingAugust 27, 2012At Large Councilman Jeff Fusco and Council President and Ward 3 Councilman Marco Sommerville are co-hosting an informational meeting for all Akron residents, Sept. 11 at Crouse Community Learning Center, 1000 Diagonal Rd., 6:30 - 8 p.m.Read MoreNeal presents free concertAugust 15, 2012Councilman Russ Neal and the City of Akron are presenting a free concert at Forest Lodge Park, 260 Greenwood Ave., on Friday, August 24.Read MoreVoters to decide on election cost-cutting proposalJuly 31, 2012A charter amendment proposed to save Akron taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars by electing all city officials on the same four-year cycle was passed by Council and will now go to the voters for approval.Read MoreCouncil to consider new election cycleJuly 24, 2012Mayor Don Plusquellic and Council President Marco Sommerville proposed legislation at Monday's Council meeting that cut the city's elections costs by holding all Council member elections at the same time and limit raises for members of Council and the Mayor to what private industry workers receive annually.Read MoreCity to hire 12 new COPS, Wally Waffle moving to Highland SquareJuly 16, 2012Council approved legislation that will result in the addition of 12 new police officers in the Community Oriented Policing Services program.Read MoreCouncil approves plan to create Department of Neighborhood AssistanceJuly 10, 2012Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic has a new department to address quality of life issues and respond to citizen complaints.Read MoreCouncil cuts curbside collection fee increaseJuly 03, 2012A week after expressing concerns about a proposed rate increase for curbside garbage collection, Council approved a new proposal that will cost less for senior citizens with a Homestead Exemption. The proposed increases of $1.50 a month for households that recycle and $2.50 a month for those that do not remained in tact, but households covered by the Homestead Exemption will see only a $.50 a month increase as opposed to a $1.50 a month in the previously proposed legislation. Council also approved a 2012 pay increase for fire fighters. The increases of 1.25% retroactive to Jan. 1 and 1.25% July 1 were determined by an arbitrator. Click on the following link to see Council's meeting: July 2, 2012 from Akron City Council on Vimeo.Read MoreSommerville delays vote to increase curbside collection feesJune 26, 2012Council President Marco Sommerville delayed by at least a week a vote that will increase garbage collection fees.Read MoreDollar General gets Council approvalJune 19, 2012Following a public hearing Monday evening, Council approved construction of a new Dollar General store at 2084 Mogadore Rd.Read MoreTwo year-old issues resolvedJune 12, 2012Two issues that dogged Council for more than a year were resolved at Monday’s Council meeting.Read MoreRobocop to join Akron SWATJune 06, 2012Akron’s SWAT team is adding a new member that specializes in being first in - last out. AVATAR Micro is a small, rugged tactical robot designed to be the first responder in dangerous situations.Read MoreRefunding bonds, contracting for confinement save city $26.7 millionMay 23, 2012By approving an ordinance to refinance bonds and an ordinance to contract with Oriana House for alternative sentencing options for offenders, City Council authorized actions that will respectively save the city $20 million and $6.7 million.Read MoreAkron Muslims sound alarm, call for healingMay 16, 2012City Council’s public comment period again took center stage Monday evening when Minister Stephen H. Muhammad of the Muhammad Mosque of Akron told Council that Akron’s neighborhoods and communities are in desperate need of a healing.Read MoreSee City Council in action!May 12, 2012It's only in the experimental stage, but City Council meetings may soon be coming to Vimeo on a regular basis.Read MoreCouncil in opposing moodMay 08, 2012Two resolutions of opposition were passed by Council at Monday's meeting.Read MoreRoadside memorials given 45 daysMay 04, 2012The idea of drafting legislation to address the issue of memorializing friends and family members on roadsides has been dropped in favor of new rules within the city's existing nuisance laws.Read MoreFunding for Derby, CVB approvedMay 01, 2012Two ordinances providing funding for the All-America Soap Box Derby and Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau were approved by Council at Monday’s meeting.Read MoreResolutions honor Parms, challenge KasichApril 24, 2012Two resolutions were passed by Council at Monday night's meeting. One was to congratulate and honor retiring attorney and civil rights leader Edwin L. Parms for his lifetime of achievement and service to the community.Read MoreProperty owners to pay for cleaning up meth labsApril 17, 2012Two ordinances and a resolution aimed at recovering the costs of cleaning up methamphetamine labs, raising public awareness about their dangers and enacting statewide standards for remediating contaminated properties were passed by Council at Monday evening’s meeting.Read MoreSommerville urges public to cooperate with policeApril 11, 2012For the first time since Council adopted a public comment period, those commenting took center stage at Monday's Council meeting.Read MoreWaterloo Road car wash gets okayApril 03, 2012In June of 2011, City Council held a public hearing on a conditional use zoning request for a car wash at the intersection of East Waterloo Road and South Main Street.Read MoreResolution calls for investigation of Florida teen shootingMarch 30, 2012A zoning change to allow the construction of a new 25,000 sq. ft. Child Guidance and Family Solutions headquarters and Council's approval to purchase land surrounding the new Bridgestone Technical Center for future development took back stage at Monday's Council meeting to a resolution passed at the end of the meeting.Read MoreDigital billboards approvedMarch 24, 2012ClearChannel Outdoor agreed to remove 13 static billboards within the city limits to win Council approval for adding five digital billboards to its inventory.Read MoreCouncil passes budget, promotes developmentsMarch 22, 2012March 19, 2012 from Akron City Council on Vimeo.Read MoreRoadwork near Goodyear project approvedMarch 13, 2012Council paved the way Monday evening for about three miles of road improvements near the Goodyear world headquarters project.Read MoreCity workers get raisesMarch 06, 2012Council approved legislation Monday night that will give a 1.5 percent pay raise to all Akron employees.Read MoreSale of land to medical office developer approvedFebruary 14, 2012Council approved the sale of four acres of city-owned land on White Pond Drive to a developer who plans to build a 40,000 square-foot medical facility housing 40 employees. Council also amended a zoning definition to include recycling operations, which paves the way for an indoor paper recycling facility in the former Sears store at Rolling Acres.Read MoreHighland Square closer to grocerFebruary 07, 2012City Council gave its okay last night for the city to apply for a HUD Section 108 loan for $3.8 million to build a grocery store in Highland Square, and a decade after losing their neighborhood grocery store, Highland Square residents are close to having a neighbor as their grocer.Read MoreCouncil wants oil and gas rights, tooJanuary 31, 2012The state took away cities’ rights to regulate oil and gas well drilling, and Akron City Council wants those rights back.Read MoreFormer Sears store to be recycledJanuary 24, 2012The former Sears store at Rolling Acres Mall is going to be reused as a recycling center.Read MoreSommerville announces committee assignmentsJanuary 24, 2012The 2012-2013 committee assignments have been made by Council's Committee on Committees, and Council's nine standing committees have started their regular Monday afternoon meetings again.Read MoreMayor explains state auditor demands to CouncilJanuary 11, 2012At the end of an uneventful Council meeting, Mayor Plusquellic addressed Council to explain the actions the city has taken in response to the state auditor's demands that the city change its accounting practices.Read MoreHolocaust Commemoration funded by CouncilDecember 20, 2011On Monday, Council approved legislation authorizing the expenditure of funds to purchase awards, food and other items for the City of Akron Holocaust Commemoration.Read MoreCriminal Expungement Program wins Council supportDecember 13, 2011The University of Akron-City of Akron collaborative program that helps residents clear crimes from their records won Council support again for 2012.Read MoreCouncil upgrades softwareDecember 06, 2011An ordinance authorizing the city to purchase new software for scanning, tracking, searching and sharing legislation was approved by Council at Monday's meeting.Read MoreCity workers allowed to carry over unused vacation timeNovember 30, 2011Council gave city workers an early Christmas present by waiving provisions that prevented them from carrying over unused leave and vacation time.Read MoreAfter school program awarded grantNovember 22, 2011Calling it the best return on any city investment, Council approved a $185,000 grant at Monday's Council meeting for Akron’s after school program, which provides learning activities to more than 4,000 students at 27 elementary Community Learning Centers. Council also passed a resolution opposing the merger of the Akron and Cleveland postal processing operations.Read MoreVoters elect four new council membersNovember 09, 2011City Council will have four new members in 2012. In Ward 6, Bob Hoch defeated Dave Goodspeed.Read MoreSchools, city swap Kenmore landNovember 08, 2011A land swap between Akron Public Schools and the city that lays the groundwork for a new senior housing complex in Kenmore was approved by Council. The equal-value trade gave the city ownership of vacant Heminger Elementary School on Kenmore Boulevard.Read MoreResource center for vets, homeless approvedOctober 31, 2011Conditional use zoning necessary to create a resource and referral center at 111 East Voris Street for veterans and the homeless was approved by Council at Monday's meeting.Read MoreGrant would pay for bulletproof vestsOctober 24, 2011Council approved legislation that authorizes Mayor Plusquellic to apply for a Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant from the U.S. Bureau of Justice Assistance.Read MoreCity to accept grant from Summit County for housingOctober 18, 2011Akron will receive $272,000 from Summit County for affordable housing.Read MoreSchool levy, sewer overflow reform win Council supportOctober 04, 2011Resolutions supporting a 5.5 mill school levy and urging Congress to reform the Clean Water Act sewer overflow policy won unanimous approval by Council Monday night.Read MoreCouncil to consider limits on street memorialsSeptember 27, 2011A letter signed by three West Side city block club presidents and read at Council Monday evening asked Council to set time limits on street-side memorials.Read MoreCity to install electric charging stations for carsSeptember 20, 2011Akron is entering into an agreement with Clean Fuels Ohio to obtain a Federal grant to install five vehicle electric charging stations.Read MoreWard 1 meeting rescheduledSeptember 20, 2011Ward 1 Councilman Jim Hurley has changed the date of his ward meeting from Sept. 21 to Sept. 28.Read MorePrimary produces changes on CouncilSeptember 14, 2011Tuesday's Democratic primary election will result in several changes on City Council beginning January 2012.Read MoreBelfast City Councilor praises Akron's regenerationSeptember 13, 2011A visiting City Councilor from Belfast, Ireland, Nichola Maria Mallon, told City Council Monday evening that Akron's accomplishments are inspiring.Read MoreVoters to decide on rules for speaking to CouncilSeptember 09, 2011A charter amendment that will change how and when citizens can speak at meetings of Council will be on the November 8 ballot.Read MoreSommerville calls special Council meetingSeptember 02, 2011Council President Marco Sommerville is cutting Council's summer recess short by calling a special meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 7 at 5 p.m. to discuss Council's long-standing public speaking policies.Read MoreCouncil on Summer RecessAugust 01, 2011Akron City Council is on its annual summer recess. The next scheduled Council and Committee meetings are Monday, Sept. 9.Read MoreCouncil clears the airJuly 26, 2011Council approved an ordinance amending the agreement with KB Compost to build an anaerobic digestion system at Akron’s sewage treatment plant.Read MoreHurley ward meeting moved back one weekJuly 20, 2011Ward 1 Councilman Jim Hurley has moved his ward meeting scheduled for today to next Wednesday, July 27, at Patterson Park Community Center, 800 Patterson Ave.Read MoreAkron wins competition for Meggitt jobsJuly 19, 2011Council approved legislation Monday night that will allow the city to complete a deal with Meggitt-USA Services Inc. to locate a shared service center in Akron.Read MoreEasements for sewer seperation approvedJuly 12, 2011Council approved legislation Monday evening that will allow the city to begin work on separating storm and sanitary sewers to reduce untreated overflows into the Cuyahoga River.Read MoreReminder: Council and Committees will not meet Monday, July 4.June 28, 2011Reminder: Council and Committees will not meet Monday, July 4.Read MoreHousekeeping keeps Council busyJune 28, 2011Council passed a plethora of resolutions and ordinances relating to road repairs, sewer easements, property sales and grant applications at Monday's meeting.Read MoreExpungement Program gets new phone numberJune 24, 2011Akron's Criminal Expungement Program now has a new direct phone number: 330-972-7462. 804 applicants have been screened for the program to date and 131 were eligible to have their criminal records expunged, according to Aviva Wilcher, program director.Read MoreCouncil to address streetside panhandlersJune 21, 2011City Council referred new legislation to discussion at next Monday's Public Safety Committee meeting and the regular Council meeting that would limit where panhandlers can approach motorists for money using spoken, written or printed words.Read MorePublic Utilities Committee changes meeting timeJune 15, 2011Akron's ordinance regulating taxi cab service will be the chief topic of discussion at the Public Utilities Committee meeting Monday, June 20. To accommodate interested parties, the committee meeting time has been changed to 4 p.m.Read MoreCouncil meeting, Monday, June 13June 14, 2011City Council approved funding for summer outdoor activities including concerts at the Akron Art Museum and concerts in the parks by the Akron Symphony Orchestra.Read MoreCity Council News to be published Saturday in Beacon JournalJune 10, 2011See the Saturday, June 11 Akron Beacon Journal for the new edition of City Council News.Read MoreCity Council Meeting available on VimeoJune 07, 2011City Council Meeting available on VimeoRead MoreCouncil approves application for HUD grant; Council meeting can be seen onlineMay 24, 2011Council passed legislation at its May 16 meeting that authorizes the city to apply for a $2 million Healthy Homes Production Program grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.Read MorePresident, new police chief win Council praiseMay 11, 2011The May 2 City Council meeting began with Council President Marco Sommerville offering congratulations to President Barack Obama for bringing closure to the September 11 tragedy and ended with Council welcoming Akron's new police chief.Read MoreWard 9 meeting cancelledMay 02, 2011Ward 9 Councilman Mike Freeman has cancelled his ward meeting for Tuesday, May 3, because it is Election Day.Read MoreCouncil paves way for street, sidewalk improvementsApril 28, 2011The passage of two ordinances and a resolution by City Council will make for smoother sailing on sections of West Market and South Main Streets.Read MoreCity officals to discuss sewers at Ward 1 meetingApril 18, 2011Akron city officials will discuss Akron's sewer system seperation plans and answer questions at Ward 1 Councilman Jim Hurley's monthly ward meeting, Wednesday, April 20, 6:30 p.m. at Patterson Park Community Center, 800 Patterson Ave.Read MoreCriminal expungement team to accept applications at pubic meetingApril 15, 2011Akron residents who want to clear past crimes from their records - crimes that affect their employability - can begin the process at a public meeting April 20, 7:00 p.m., at the Akron-Summit County Public Library, Meeting Room 3, 55 South Main St.Read MoreSommerville makes new committee assignmentsApril 14, 2011Council President Marco Sommerville announced changes to committee assignments at Monday's Council meeting.Read More401 Lofts gets Council approvalApril 14, 2011Legislation was passed at Monday's Council meeting that paves the way for construction of more student housing in downtown Akron.Read MoreSewer separation projects win approvalApril 07, 2011City Council approved legislation Monday night that allows Akron to move forward with two projects that will reduce combined sewer overflows despite the fact that the city's comprehensive overflow reduction plan is in limbo while the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Ohio EPA, City of Akron and Federal Judge John Adams debate its merits.Read MoreSommerville finalizes partnership agreement during trip to ChinaApril 05, 2011Akron and the Sifang District of Qingdao, China are now partners in the fields of science, education, culture, health, sports and tourism after Akron City Council President Marco Sommerville and Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Robert Bowman reached a cooperative-city agreement with Qingdao Director Fengli Li during a city business trip to China.Read More401 Lofts developer makes pitch to CouncilApril 05, 2011The developer of student housing in downtown Akron made a pitch to City Council during a public hearing to add a 209-unit apartment building adjacent to his highly successful 22 Exchange development.Read MoreMontgomery is new Ward 8 CouncilmanApril 05, 2011Phillip J. Montgomery took the seat of former Ward 8 Councilwoman Sandra Kurt for the first time at last night's City Council meeting.Read MoreCommittee recommends Montgomery for vacant Ward 8 seatMarch 28, 2011A special committee created to select a replacement for Ward 8 Councilwoman Sandra Kurt will recommend Phil Montgomery, an internal auditor for Time Warner Cable and vice president of Summit County Young Democrats, for Kurt's vacant seat at tonight's City Council meeting.Read MoreCity budget gets Council approvalMarch 18, 2011A $528.8 million city budget was passed by Council at its Monday meeting.Read MoreJoy Park gets club; city tackles "cold case" filesMarch 18, 2011Legislation approving a no-cost lease of unused space at Joy Park Community Center to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Reserve was passed by Council Monday.Read MoreCouncil accepts Kurt resignation from Ward 8 seatMarch 08, 2011City Council passed a resolution at its March 7 Council meeting accepting the resignation of Ward 8 Councilwoman Sandra Kurt.Read MoreLibrary goes to dogsMarch 08, 2011A doggie day care business got the okay from Akron City Council to establish a day care, grooming and boarding business in an old library at 485 South Canton Road in Ellet.Read MoreInformational meeting on Senate Bill 5 set for FridayMarch 02, 2011On Friday, March 4, at 6:30 p.m., Ward 6 Councilman Robert Otterman will hold an informational meeting on Senate Bill 5 at the Ellet Community Center, 2449 Wedgewood Drive.Read MoreCity leaders to speak at Ward 4 community open houseFebruary 23, 2011Akron residents who want to know what their government leaders' visions are for Akron and its 4th Ward are invited to attend a community open titled "Our City, Our Ward" at Buchtel High School on Saturday, March 5, from 10 a.m. to noon.Read MoreRochling selects Akron for new manufacturing facilityFebruary 22, 2011Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic announced today that the city has landed a German high-performance plastics manufacturing company that will come to the city with more than a hundred new jobs for Akron area residents.Read MoreCity awarded funding for energy efficient homesFebruary 21, 2011The City of Akron has been granted funds from the Department of Energy in an effort to make building an energy efficient home more affordable in the city.Read MoreCouncil approves funding for homeless veteransFebruary 09, 2011City Council passed two ordinances at the Feb. 7council meeting that will give 1.6 acres of city-owned land plus $10,000 to Valor Home, a volunteer organization that is building Summit County's first transitional home for veterans and their dependents.Read MoreAfter School Program wins Council praise, fundingFebruary 09, 2011Akron school's After School Program was awarded $185,000 in funding at the Jan. 31 council meeting.Read MoreCity seeks Highland Square grocerFebruary 01, 2011The City of Akron seeks a Grocer owner/operator to develop a grocery store at the corner of West Market Street, North Portage Path and Edgerton road.Read MoreLocal Muslim community thanks CouncilJanuary 28, 2011City Council was presented with a certificate of thanks from The Islamic Society of Akron and Kent following Monday night's meeting.Read MoreCouncil makes pitch for jobsJanuary 24, 2011City Council passed legislation Monday night that will give 12 acres of city-owned land and about $50,000 a year in tax rebates to Roechling Automotive if the German manufacturer builds an automotive plastics plant in Akron.Read MoreCouncil expresses sympathy to Wyatt familyDecember 17, 2010City Council passed a resolution submitted by Mayor Plusquellic and Council as a whole Monday evening offering sympathy to the family of Marine Corporal Derek A. Wyatt, who was killed in action in Afghanistan last week.Read MoreSommerville calls for calm in Ward 3 following arsonDecember 14, 2010Before beginning City Council’s regular business, Council President and Ward 3 Councilman Marco Sommerville informed Council members that the FBI has agreed to investigate a recent arson fire in his ward as a hate crime.Read MoreCity budget passed, hearings pendingNovember 30, 2010Council passed an ordinance approving a city budget for the period Jan. 1 to March 21, 2011.Read MoreCommunity leaders are working to streamline services for seniorsNovember 30, 2010Councilwoman At Large Linda F. R. Omobien is serving on the Social Services Advisory Board where services for senior citizens are being discussed by a number of agency leaders.Read MoreCouncil approves zoning for $5 million developmentNovember 30, 2010Rockynol Retirement Community on Akron’s near west side will be getting a little bigger.Read MoreOtterman honored for serviceNovember 30, 2010Ward 6 Councilman Bob Otterman was congratulated by City Council with passage of a resolution recognizing him for his induction into Ohio’s Veteran’s Hall of Fame.Read MoreBond sales may save millionsNovember 30, 2010Though it may have appeared like routine city business, some of the ordinances approved by Council recently could save the city millions of dollars by taking advantage of lower interest rates.Read MoreHistory of headaches triggers Issue 16October 25, 2010City Council Monday night asked the city’s director of public service, Rick Merolla, to explain why the city wants to lease the recycle energy system.Read MoreGrants and loans made available for lead cover upOctober 25, 2010City Council passed a resolution establishing the week of Oct. 24 as Lead Poisoning Prevention Week and encouraged families to apply for grants and loans to create a lead-free environment for children.Read MoreCouncil endorses charter amendment issuesOctober 05, 2010City Council passed a resolution of support for issues 11 through 17 on the November 2 ballot at Monday night’s council meeting.Read MoreUnions raise questions about health department mergers, Sommerville promises answersOctober 05, 2010Two union presidents whose members are Akron Health Department employees spoke before Council Monday night to express concerns about the merger of the Akron and Summit County Health Departments.Read MoreCity provides land for new housingSeptember 29, 2010City Council approved an ordinance Monday evening that will allow for the transfer of city-owned land to East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation, which will build new affordable housing on the now-vacant properties.Read MoreVoters to decide on tax for safety forcesSeptember 09, 2010City Council has approved legislation to place a charter amendment on the Nov. 2 ballot that will allow the city to divert money from the income tax for school reconstruction to pay safety forces.Read MoreCouncil President calls special meetingSeptember 01, 2010City Council will gather in Council Chambers for a special Council meeting today, Wednesday, Sept. 1, at 5:00 p.m. to discuss a proposal by the Mayor to borrow money from the school rebuilding fund to pay for public safety forces, including police, fire, EMS and snow removal.Read MoreHome is where the heart isSeptember 01, 2010Home is where the heart is, and NBA star LeBron James hasn't forgotten where his heart is. James presented a $30,000 check to Council President Marco Sommerville following his annual bike-a-thon.Read MoreCouncil schedules special meetingAugust 13, 2010Akron City Council will meet Monday, Aug. 16 at 6 p.m. in council chambers to decide what amendments to the city charter will be placed on the November ballot.Read MorePublic comments welcome at council meetingsJuly 22, 2010For the first time ever, residents were invited to speak during a new 30-minute public hearing session prior to Monday night's City Council meeting.Read MoreCitizens speak on changes to city’s charterJuly 22, 2010City Council held a special public hearing Tuesday night to hear citizen input on the recommendations from the Charter Review Commission.Read MoreLegislation goes to City Council for purchase of Highland Square propertyJuly 19, 2010The City is moving ahead with plans to purchase property in anticipation of attracting a grocer to provide a store for Highland Square.Read MoreConditional use zoning approved for Summa, TimkenJuly 15, 2010A new gateway to the Summa campus will soon start to emerge at the corner East Market and North Adams Streets.Read MoreCouncil to hear public comments on city charter changesJuly 15, 2010City Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, July 20, 6 p.m. in council chambers to hear citizen input on the recommendations of the Charter Review Commission.Read MoreCity invests in “25 Hill”July 15, 2010The city of Akron became an investor in actor/producer Corbin Bernsen's film about the All-American Soap Box Derby Monday night when City Council approved a $25,000 expenditure to help finance the film.Read MoreCharter Review Commission announces proposed amendmentsJuly 02, 2010Campaign financing, recall procedures and referendum procedures will change if the commission’s recommendations are accepted by City Council.Read MoreCity gives land to HabitatJune 21, 2010Five city-owned properties with dilapidated houses that are scheduled for the wrecking ball were given to Habitat for Humanity of Summit County at the June 14 City Council meeting.Read MoreChamber honors Crawford as one of area’s bestJune 18, 2010The Greater Akron Chamber named Ward 10 Councilwoman Kelli Crawford a recipient of the fourth-annual “30 for the Future” award. Each year, the Chamber honors young professionals, ages 25 – 39, whose contributions greatly impact their industries and the Greater Akron region.Read MoreProperties to get improvementsJune 11, 2010City Council approved legislation at Monday’s council meeting to give 18 city-owned houses to three non-profit neighborhood development corporations that will renovate or rebuild the houses.Read MoreCouncil addresses campaign finance lawsJune 11, 2010Council President Marco Sommerville (W3) and Councilpersons Jeff Fusco (At Large), Kelli Crawford (W10) and Ken Jones (W5) introduced legislation at Monday’s council meeting that would modify municipal campaign finance laws.Read MoreCommission Reviews CharterJune 11, 2010Akron’s Charter Review Commission is now reviewing all sections of the City Charter in preparation to make recommendations for any changes to Akron City Council by July 1st.Read MoreCouncilman envisions Phoenix from the ashes on E. South St.June 11, 2010WARD 5 - Sometimes, it is true that beauty can emerge from the ashes of destruction. That is certainly the hope of Ward 5 Councilman Kenneth L. Jones and some dedicated residents in the wake of a demolished neighborhood nuisance.Read MoreCatch City Council News in Saturday’s Akron Beacon Journal!May 20, 2010Keep up to date with everything Akron City Council is doing to create jobs, deliver services and make life better for Akron residents by picking up a copy of the May 22 Akron Beacon Journal.Read MoreSommerville thanks LeBronMay 06, 2010Sommerville thanks LeBronRead MoreBonds approved for Community Learning CentersMay 06, 2010Bonds approved for Community Learning CentersRead MoreCouncil sides with citizensApril 30, 2010Despite recommendations for approval from Akron's Planning Department and Planning Commission, City Council rejected a request Monday evening to rezone property at the northeast corner of Ridgewood and South Miller Roads to construct a martial arts studio and lifestyle office suites.Read MoreCouncil President’s trip goes up in smokeApril 20, 2010Council President Marco Sommerville presided over a Council meeting last night that he wasn’t supposed to be at.Read MoreCouncil names Charter Review CommissionApril 20, 2010Akron City Council passed an ordinance last night establishing a Charter Review Commission.Read MoreEast Akron houses to come tumbling downApril 20, 2010Ward 10 Councilwoman Kelli Crawford announced to Council applause last night that the city has agreed to demolish 29 dilapidated houses on Laird Street in East Akron.Read MoreFinal phase of Edgewood Village construction approvedApril 20, 2010Akron City Council passed an ordinance that paves the way for the final phase of the Edgewood Village neighborhood revitalization project in Ward 3.Read MoreCouncil passes 2010 budget with across-the-board reductionsMarch 23, 2010Akron City Council Monday night passed a dramatically reduced city budget for fiscal year 2010.Read MoreCouncil changes opening prayer proceduresMarch 23, 2010Starting immediately, Akron City Council is changing its opening meeting procedures to exclude prayer as part of the official start of Monday night meetings.Read MoreAkron enters into land purchase agreement with McDonald’s franchise ownerMarch 16, 2010Akron City Council has given the city its blessing to enter into what it agrees is a win-win land deal for the city.Read MoreAkron seeks title as Innovation HubMarch 09, 2010Akron could earn the distinction of being named one of the state's Hubs of Innovation, complete with $250,000 in cash to help the city keep the innovation momentum going.Read MoreBrighter days ahead for Canal Park StadiumMarch 09, 2010Things will be looking much brighter for the Akron Aeros this season.Read MoreCouncil approves new combination middle-high school in Buchtel clusterMarch 02, 2010WARD 4 - After much discussion among its members and with residents, Akron City Council Monday night approved a permit to build a new Buchtel/Perkins Community Learning Center.Read MoreFrank Blvd. residents win 34% discount on improvement assessmentsMarch 02, 2010WARD 8 - Residents of Frank Boulevard have made history by initiating a change in the way Akron residents will be assessed for road improvements.Read MoreCouncil approves zoning restrictions in new Biomedical Incentive Zone, protects existing businessesFebruary 24, 2010Akron City Council Monday night passed three key pieces of legislation which have the potential to attract more biomedical and health-care jobs to the city.Read MoreCouncil approves first sewer repair equipment purchase under EPA consent decreeFebruary 24, 2010Akron City Council authorized the first equipment purchase to begin $500 million in repairs to its combined sewer overflow system ordered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.Read MoreCouncil authorizes city to guarantee $623K loan to save Soap Box DerbyFebruary 09, 2010Akron City Council Monday night gave the Mayor the green light to put the city on the line for $623,000 to save the Soap Box Derby.Read MoreAffordable housing construction gets boost this year with stimulus funding; Central neighborhoods designated for 4-6 new single-family homesFebruary 09, 2010Akron City Council Monday night approved spending $200,000 from the 2010 Community Development Budget to aid in building affordable homes for Akron families.Read MoreAkron snow crews deployed for next snow storm; Council praises snow removal efforts thus farFebruary 09, 2010Just as Akron residents are recovering from the weekend's snow storm which covered the city with 10 inches of snow, the National Weather Service has issued another winter storm warning effective in the area from noon today to 7 p.m. tomorrow.Read MoreCouncil seeks power from state legislature to more quickly take over abandoned properties, reverse blightFebruary 02, 2010Taking a cue from its northern neighbors, Akron City Council is taking a step toward dramatically reducing blight that foreclosures have caused in the city and Summit County.Read MoreService road near bus station to be named for Rosa ParksFebruary 02, 2010Just in time for Black History Month, Women's History Month, and the official "Mrs. Rosa Parks Day," Akron City Council honored history Monday night when it passed a resolution to rename the service road near the new Metro Intermodal Transfer Station, Rosa Parks Drive.Read MoreNeighborhood nuisances to be handled by one department as of Feb. 1January 27, 2010Beginning Feb. 1, Akron residents will only have to call one office to report neighborhood nuisances like high grass and junk cars.Read MoreCitizens, police to discuss concerns at special Public Safety meetingJanuary 27, 2010Public Safety Committee Chair Kelli Crawford will hold a special meeting to allow residents to air their concerns about encounters with Akron Police officers.Read MoreSommerville reappointed to 4th term as Joint Board of Review chairmanJanuary 19, 2010Akron City Council President and Ward 3 Councilman Marco Sommerville has been reappointed as chairman of Akron's Joint Board of Review, the body that oversees Akron Public Schools' $900 million city-wide Community Learning Center construction project.Read MoreUPDATED: Property nuisances to be handled by one department, if Council approves major overhaulJanuary 12, 2010If Akron City Council approves Mayor Don Plusquellic's proposal to merge property and health inspectors under one roof, residents' property nuisance complaints will no longer be bounced around to different departments.Read MoreCouncil names 2010-11 committee members; Newly elected reps in leadership rolesJanuary 05, 2010Akron City Council opened the first the first meeting of the 2010-2011 session Monday night with the naming of new committees.Read MoreCouncil passes amended sewer rate increase; establishes discount for low-income residentsDecember 22, 2009Akron City Council Monday hammered out a deal on proposed sewer rate hikes which slightly reduces the expected 35 percent rate increase at the first of the year and creates a discount program for low-income residents.Read MoreCouncil bids longest farewell to five outgoing membersDecember 22, 2009Akron City Council Monday night passed five historic resolutions of appreciation honoring outgoing Council members who will be replaced in the new year.Read MoreResidents turn out for hearing on proposed sewer rate increasesDecember 18, 2009Approximately 40 Akron residents showed up at a special Akron City Council public hearing Thursday night to hear details and speak their minds on a plan to raise sewer rates in order to pay for a federally mandated $500 million upgrade to the city’s combined sewer system.Read MoreActing police chief pledges cooperation with CouncilDecember 16, 2009Akron’s newly appointed acting police chief addressed Akron City Council Monday night, pledging a new spirit of cooperation between Council and the Akron Police Department.Read MoreNew council sworn in; Sommerville retains president’s seat, Merlitti named new vice presidentDecember 15, 2009The 2010-2011 Akron City Council was sworn into office Monday night, followed by the election of Council officers and sometimes emotional acceptance speeches by new and old members.Read MoreCity applying for $6 million grant to bring back laid off firefightersDecember 15, 2009Akron City Council Monday night approved legislation authorizing the mayor to apply for a $6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security which could pay for the rehiring of some if not all of the 38 Akron firefighters laid off over the summer.Read MoreCouncil approves city employee raise freezeDecember 15, 2009More than one-fifth of approximately 1,995 Akron city employees will not receive raises next year, eliminating $500,000 from the city’s 2010 budget as it works to keep costs contained under tight budget restraints.Read MoreFinal meeting pushed one week forward for sewer vote; New members sworn in at Dec. 14 meetingDecember 11, 2009What was to be Akron City Council’s last meeting of the year will be moved up to 5 p.m. on Monday Dec. 14, so that newly elected members can be sworn in later that evening at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers, 166 S. High St., 3rd Fl.Read MoreCouncil seeks ways to soften blow of increased water bills to pay for mandatory repairs; Special hearing scheduled to discuss payment optionsDecember 08, 2009Akron City Council is exploring every option available to soften the blow of proposed sewer rate increases.Read MoreMulti-party agreement reached to keep Bridgestone technical center, 1,000 jobsDecember 08, 2009Akron City Council Monday night approved a historic agreement that will keep an Akron icon – and 1,000 full time jobs – in the city.Read MoreCouncil passes amended sex discrimination ordinance after hearty debateDecember 01, 2009After two weeks of delays, Akron City Council Monday night made official a city policy which prohibits discrimination against city employees on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, but with two exceptions.Read MoreCouncil delays vote on sex discrimination legislationNovember 24, 2009Akron City Council will take one more week to allow members to clear up any questions or issues surrounding legislation introduced last week that prohibits the city from discriminating against employees based on sexual orientation.Read MoreCity workers can carry earned time off into next yearNovember 24, 2009City employees who haven’t used this year’s paid leave, vacation and personal days earned before the mandatory furloughs went into effect will not lose their time off as the year comes to a close.Read MoreCouncil to create official city policy against sexual orientation discriminationNovember 17, 2009Akron City Council is expected to make official next week what it already knows is the right thing to ensure a fair work environment for city employees.Read MoreDowntown food vendors may sell goods until 3 a.m.November 17, 2009Downtown food vendors will have an opportunity to increase sales with Council’s passage of an ordinance which extends the hours that they can offer goods for sale in recognized community entertainment district areas.Read MoreAkron to settle EPA lawsuit for $1.4 million, given 19 years to make $300 million sewer system repairsNovember 10, 2009After two weeks of deliberation, Akron City Council Monday night approved terms of a settlement in the lawsuit filed against the city by the U.S. and Ohio Environmental Protection Agencies over problems caused by its combined sewer overflows (CSOs).Read MoreCouncil approves speed limit increase on I-77November 10, 2009Akron City Council Monday night offered its blessing to officially raise the speed limit from 55 to 65 miles per hour along Interstate 77 between Vernon Odom Boulevard and Cleveland-Massillon Road.Read MoreGeneral election changes Council makeupNovember 04, 2009Some new and familiar names returned from the past will answer the roll call in Akron City Council chambers in January, as a result of Tuesday night’s election results.Read MoreSommerville questions city cost to fight liquor permitsNovember 03, 2009Akron City Council President Marco Sommerville asked the city’s law department for a report of the number of hours and resources spent fighting liquor permit applications.Read MoreCouncil’s creative financing helps salvage Reynolds after school programNovember 03, 2009With some creative financing guidance from Akron City Council and Akron Public Schools, the Butch Reynolds Care for Kids Foundation’s after-school program will continue this year.Read MoreChanging financial climate impacts youth program funding; Council taking time to help Butch Reynolds foundation find other support for after-school programOctober 27, 2009For seven years, Akron City Council has routinely authorized funding for the Butch Reynolds Care for Kids Foundation’s after school and summer mentoring programs for Akron’s at-risk youth.Read MoreCouncil expected to approve Akron sewer lawsuit settlementOctober 27, 2009Akron City Council Monday night opted to delay approval on the city’s request to settle a lawsuit against it from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the state of Ohio over alleged clean water violations.Read MoreCity clarifies deficit, savings for CouncilOctober 21, 2009Akron City Council members received a clearer picture of where the city stands financially during a special caucus held Monday afternoon.Read MoreAkron police to benefit from $70,000 in overtime grants; State funding boosts enforcement in targeted areas throughout cityOctober 21, 2009Akron City Council Monday night passed two pieces of legislation which will give the Akron Police Department a $70,000 boost to pay overtime to officers conducting special patrols in targeted areas throughout the city.Read MoreCouncil gives up 18 hours pay to offset city deficitOctober 07, 2009Akron City Council is joining city workers in participating in recently implemented mandatory unpaid furlough days aimed at reducing the city’s deficit.Read MoreEmployee bonus reductions to save city $900,000October 07, 2009Akron City Council approved three ordinances which call for reduced or canceled 2009 longevity payments for members of the Civil Service Personnel Association, the Akron Nurses Association, the Fraternal Order of Police, and management and non bargaining city employees.Read MoreCouncil pledges support for mandatory furlough days; City offices to close early on Fridays beginning Oct. 2September 29, 2009Akron City Council has pledged to support the mayor’s mandatory furlough plan which will allow the city to forego 113 of the 201 layoffs initially announced Sept. 14.Read MoreAkron police applying for grant to equip more cruisers with camerasSeptember 29, 2009Akron City Council Monday night authorized the city to apply for a grant and allocate matching local funds to purchase audio and video equipment for all Akron Police cruisers that come in contact with citizens.Read MoreCouncil clears way for new University Park YMCA to replace Canal Square branchSeptember 22, 2009Akron City Council Monday night approved the last element needed to move forward plans to build a new University Park YMCA to replace the Canal Square branch.Read MoreAt-large recount results in: New and familiar names on ballot in November Council raceSeptember 22, 2009The At-Large race recount results are in, and the tie between incumbent Terry Albanese (W-6) and returning Council candidate Jeff Fusco has been broken in Fusco’s favor.Read MoreSummit Lake poised for $1.1 million makeoverSeptember 17, 2009Akron City Council has cleared the way for a $1.1million Summit Lake makeover.Read MoreCouncil scrutinizing city’s paid association memberships: Vote delayed pending review of necessity and benefit of affiliationsSeptember 16, 2009Akron City Council is delaying approval on what was a routine request by the city’s Director of Finance to pay $400,000 in annual fees to 15 organizations, associations and agencies.Read MoreCouncil thanks employees who accepted Voluntary Separation PlanSeptember 16, 2009Akron City Council Monday night passed a resolution of gratitude and appreciation in honor of 123 city employees who saved the city $10.3 million with their voluntary resignations.Read MoreVoters to decide if mayoral recall threshold too lowJuly 29, 2009On November 3, Akron voters will be asked to decide if anyone seeking to remove a mayor from office should take on a heavier burden to prove that a recall truly is the will of the people.Read MoreTennis courts, pavilion to replace basketball courts at Firestone Park Community CenterJuly 29, 2009Ward 7 - The basketball courts at the Firestone Park Community center will be gone for good, but in their place will be refurbished tennis courts and a new outdoor pavilion on the community center grounds.Read MoreCouncil puts the brakes on longer trucksJuly 29, 2009Ward 4 Councilwoman Renee Greene offered a resolution urging the U.S. Senate to enact a bill which would ban triple trailer trucks from the nation's highway system.Read MoreCouncil poised to let voters decide on raising recall requirementsJuly 21, 2009Akron City Council is taking the steps to raise the requirements for a mayoral recall in advance of the 2010 Akron City Charter review.Read MoreCouncil to give up raises amid city budget woesJuly 21, 2009Recognizing the city's tight budget and looming layoffs, Akron City Council members have agreed to return their annual 2.5 percent pay increases.Read MoreCouncil urges Postal Service to keep neighborhood post offices openJuly 21, 2009Akron City Council Monday night passed a resolution urging the U.S. Postal Service to keep open two of the four Akron post office branches set to be closed.Read MoreCouncil supports tougher penalties for domestic violence offendersJuly 14, 2009Akron City Council Monday night voted to ratchet up penalties for domestic violence offenses, bringing the city's laws in line with the state's.Read MoreMajor Akron housing issues addressed in 2 ordinances passed by Council; Stimulus money could provide $30 million for projects throughout cityJuly 08, 2009Akron City Council Monday night passed two ordinances with the potential to significantly improve the city's housing landscape and housing opportunities for Akron residents.Read MoreLockheed Martin to build new test tower, keep Akron jobsJuly 08, 2009Akron City Council authorized a conditional use for long-time Akron aerospace company Lockheed Martin to construct a 97-foot optical test tower to conduct laser and sensor testing for defense industry applications from its property on George Washington Boulevard.Read MoreAkron to apply for HUD grant to remove lead paint hazards in older homesJuly 01, 2009Akron could be in line to receive $4 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to reduce the hazards caused by lead-based paint used in many of the city's older homes.Read MoreCouncil to governor: Don't balance budget at expense of librariesJune 30, 2009Akron City Council expressed its support for the state's public libraries Monday night in passing a resolution urging Gov. Ted Strickland not to balance the budget at the expense of a public resource that residents have come to rely on for decades.Read MoreW. Thornton area ground zero for first major 25-year gas pipeline replacement projectJune 26, 2009Ward 3 - Residents of the West Thornton Street area of Ward 3 attended a special meeting at the Akron Urban League Wednesday night to learn about Dominion East Ohio's first major pipeline infrastructure replacement project expected to begin in their neighborhood next month.Read MoreCouncil approves ‘Y-Bridge’ safety fencing; Family of suicide victim praises administration for helping save livesJune 23, 2009Akron City Council Monday night gave the city the green light to start improvements to the All-America Bridge, including erecting over 10,000 feet of safety fencing.Read MoreS. Martha Ave. soon to be known as Innovation WayJune 23, 2009South Martha Avenue will soon be known as Innovation Way, to better reflect the East Akron road's symbolic role in the Goodyear redevelopment project.Read MoreSommerville joins Dominion East Ohio to answer residents’ questions about major gas pipeline projectJune 21, 2009Ward 3 - Dominion East Ohio is inviting Ward 3 residents who live on or near West Thornton Street to an informational meeting to learn about a major gas pipeline replacement project planned for the Southwest Akron neighborhood.Read MoreMilitary service ‘PaYS’ for Akron veterans; City guarantees job interviews to new Army recruitsJune 16, 2009Akron City Council demonstrated its commitment to residents who serve in the U.S. armed forces when it passed a resolution of support for a program which guarantees new U.S. Army recruits a job interview with the city upon completion of service.Read MoreAkron poised to receive federal energy efficiency grant; ‘Green’ projects ready to use stimulus moneyJune 16, 2009Akron City Council Monday night passed legislation which authorizes the city to apply for $2 million in stimulus money to fund energy efficiency projects.Read MoreSommerville thankful for new day of cooperation between police, Council and auditorJune 10, 2009Akron City Council President Marco Sommerville heaped praise on the Akron Police Department and its new chief, Craig V. Gilbride, for starting a new chapter of dialogue and understanding with Council and Akron's Independent Police Auditor.Read MoreGroup gets $10,000 gift from city to fight child sex abuseJune 09, 2009A group of dedicated grandparents and volunteers now has an extra weapon in its arsenal against child sexual abuse, thanks to a $10,000 grant from the city authorized by Akron City Council.Read MoreAkron gets $25,000 from insurer to encourage healthy employeesJune 09, 2009Akron City Council Monday night passed legislation authorizing the city to spend a $25,000 gift from Medical Mutual of Ohio to keep city employees healthy.Read MoreAkron rolls out prescription cards June 4June 03, 2009Beginning June 4, all Akron residents can get instant relief with prescription costs through the National League of Cities Prescription Discount Card Program.Read MoreCity to apply for fire safety, prevention grant money from Homeland SecurityJune 03, 2009Akron City Council Monday night authorized the mayor to apply for $779,625 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to purchase new firefighter tracking equipment and for outreach efforts aimed at reducing fire deaths and injuries.Read MoreMayoral recall election date set for June 23May 19, 2009Akron City Council has set June 23 as the day for a special mayoral recall election, but not without passing a resolution opposing the recall and expressing support for Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic.Read MoreCouncil votes to eliminate “City Picnic Day”, saves $60K in OTMay 19, 2009In an effort to trim the city budget, Akron City Council Monday night voted to eliminate the "City Picnic Day" that has been observed on the third Wednesday of June for at least the last 50 years.Read MoreMetal detectors to be new fixtures outside Council chambersMay 19, 2009Weekly Council meeting attendants will now have to pass through a metal detector set up outside chambers and manned by Akron Police Department officers.Read MoreCity and Summit County land private backing, lower interest for Port Authority loan to Goodyear developerMay 13, 2009Akron City Council joined Summit County Council Monday in approving a new private financing structure for the first phase of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. redevelopment project which reduces the previously anticipated risks to both parties by $2.5 million.Read MoreCouncil to consider raising mayoral recall thresholdMay 12, 2009As directed by the city charter, Akron City Council Clerk Bob Keith Monday officially notified Council that enough signatures have been submitted to force a recall election to remove Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic.Read MoreResidents share pain of alleged police abuses with CouncilMay 06, 2009A little more than a half-dozen residents asked Council's Public Safety Committee Monday afternoon to hold the Akron Police Department accountable for alleged abuses, including a January incident involving an Akron woman.Read MoreFreeman leads opposition to murderer’s paroleMay 05, 2009Akron City Council unanimously passed a resolution urging the Ohio Parole Board to deny convicted murderer Arkmael Sales' request for release from prison.Read MoreSommerville: Mayor’s travel crucial to Akron’s economic developmentApril 29, 2009Akron City Council President Marco Sommerville took time from Monday night's meeting to defend Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic against accusations that his international travels are an unnecessary drain on the city's budget.Read MoreHurley resolution expresses Council commitment to Highland Square grocery storeApril 29, 2009WARD 1 - As promised, Akron City Council Monday night passed a resolution confirming the city's continued commitment to provide for a grocery store in the Highland Square neighborhood.Read MoreHurley reassures residents of support for Highland Square grocery store; Neighborhood meeting scheduled for Wednesday at Highland Square branch libraryApril 21, 2009WARD 1 - Ward 1 Councilman James P. Hurley III pledged to reaffirm Council's support of a grocery store in Highland Square during Monday night's Akron City Council meeting.Read MoreCity to apply for $1.4 million in stimulus funding to plant new treesApril 21, 2009Soon after Akron was named a Tree City USA community for the 14th time by the Arbor Day Foundation, Akron City Council authorized the city to apply for $1,461,803 million in Federal stimulus money to improve the city's forestry landscape.Read MoreAkron police seeking stimulus funding to hire crime analysts, computer programmersApril 14, 2009The Akron Police Department will apply for yet another stimulus-funded grant to hire four more analytical personnel to help the department more effectively track and fight crime.Read MoreCouncil pours praise on local athletic achieversApril 09, 2009April has turned out to be a month of celebrations for Akron athletes.Read MoreRecords requests eating up city overtimeApril 07, 2009The City of Akron Law Department explained to Council's Budget and Finance Committee Monday that it requested $200,000 in overtime compensation for staff to respond to an unprecedented number of constituent public records requests, many from citizens backing the recall of the mayor.Read MoreCrawford resolution urges city to ‘buy American’April 07, 2009Ward 10 Councilwoman Kelli Crawford introduced a resolution Monday night urging the city to use federal economic stimulus funds to hire American workers and buy American-made goods when possible.Read MoreCity to apply for $9 million grant to hire new police officersMarch 31, 2009Akron City Council Monday night authorized the city to apply for a three-year, $9 million grant to hire 40 new Akron police officers.Read MoreCouncil praises U of A basketball team for first MAC championshipMarch 31, 2009Akron City Council unanimously passed a resolution of praise and recognition for the University of Akron men's basketball team's first Mid-American Conference championship and entry into the NCAA playoffs.Read MoreCouncil signs onto $17.2 million Goodyear financing dealMarch 24, 2009Akron City Council has made the decision to, along with Summit County, chip in to help the Goodyear redevelopment project forward with a new $17.2 million financing agreement.Read MoreAkron to participate in free prescription discount planMarch 24, 2009Akron residents will soon receive much-needed relief in paying for medications with a new nationwide prescription discount plan.Read MoreYouth concerns dominate stimulus discussionMarch 17, 2009About 20 Akron residents stood in line in Akron City Council chambers Monday night to lend their opinions as to how the city should spend money allocated from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, also known as the economic stimulus package.Read MoreCouncil rejects Rolling Acres arcade requestMarch 17, 2009Ward 9 - Akron City Council Monday night turned down a request to establish a gaming arcade near Rolling Acres Mall.

Council rejected Larry Blair's petition for a conditional use permit to operate an arcade and skilled gaming business at 2270 Romig Rd. after hearing opposing testimony during a public hearing on the matter.

One resident expressed concern about a gaming business possibly situated so close to a Life Skills Center, an alternative charter school for at-risk students.

Further, the city Planning Department and Planning Commission recommended the petition's disapproval because the arcade would be inconsistent with the standards set for the Rolling Acres area.

"Arcades require a conditional use to open in a retail district," said Economic Development and Job Creation Committee Chair Terry Albanese (W-6). "The proposed use won't conform to the goals and objectives of the Rolling Acres redevelopment Plan."Read MoreDOJ to investigate Akron Police DepartmentMarch 11, 2009The U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights division is planning to look further into the circumstances surrounding Akron Police-involved shootings.Read MoreResidents to have their say on stimulus moneyMarch 11, 2009Have a project you've always wanted to see in Akron?Read MoreNew water treatment method could save city $1.5 million a yearMarch 03, 2009The City of Akron could potentially save $1.5 million a year on water treatment expenses if a new treatment process authorized by Akron City Council proves successful.Read MoreCouncil helps expand HIV/AIDS treatment as need for services increasesMarch 03, 2009Akron City Council passed legislation authorizing the city's Director of Health to enter into a $350,000 contract with nonprofit Violet's Cupboard Inc. for expanded primary care services for HIV/AIDS patients in underserved communities.Read MoreCouncil contributes to day of services for the homelessFebruary 25, 2009Akron's homeless will again have an opportunity to have many needs met in one place this year.Read MoreAffordable new homes on horizon in AkronFebruary 25, 2009Akron City Council Monday night approved spending $100,000 from the 2009 Community Development Budget to aid in building affordable homes for Akron families.Read MoreCouncil passes new billboard rules; Conditional use now required for all outdoor displaysFebruary 11, 2009After months of reviewing all possible implications of proposed changes to billboard rules, Akron City Council passed final legislation Monday night which limits new and existing outdoor advertising displays.Read MoreRepeat trespassers to face more jail timeFebruary 11, 2009Repeat criminal trespass offenders will face tougher penalties under a new ordinance passed Monday night.Read MoreCouncil selects political veteran to represent 8th WardFebruary 04, 2009Ward 8 – Raymond W. Cox III, a university professor, author and former public servant in varying capacities in the states of Massachusetts and New Mexico, was named Monday night to replace Bob Keith as the new Ward 8 Councilman.Read More$500 reward offered for Kenmore vandalism informationFebruary 04, 2009Ward 9 – Akron City Council agreed to allocate $500 from the Kenmore Improvement Fund to pay out a reward to anyone with information about destruction of city property on Kenmore Boulevard.Read MoreWard 8 replacement interviews set for SaturdayJanuary 27, 2009All 20 candidates for the vacant the Ward 8 Council seat will be interviewed by the Ward 8 replacement search committee beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31 at the Municipal Building.Read MoreBillboard moratorium extended to probe new federal studyJanuary 27, 2009Akron City Council extended its moratorium on new billboards in the city by another 14 days to allow for further review of a new study on their impact on neighborhoods.Read MoreKeith named new Council clerkJanuary 13, 2009Former Ward 8 Councilman Bob Keith was named the new clerk of Council during Monday’s meeting of Akron City Council.Read MoreCouncil calls for federal investigation into financial crisisJanuary 13, 2009Akron City Council passed a resolution Monday calling for a Congressional investigation into the current national financial crisis.Read MoreCouncil discussions turn toward justice; Akron NAACP leader addresses meetingJanuary 12, 2009The final portion of Monday night’s Akron City Council meeting was devoted to discussions over police-community relations and questions over police-involved shootings.Read MoreCouncil extends billboard moratoriumJanuary 12, 2009Akron City Council approved an extension of the 120-day billboard moratorium by 21 days in order to review materials and studies received over the holiday recess.Read MoreCouncilmen helped make Christmas merrier for North Hill familiesJanuary 12, 2009Ward 1 – Akron City Councilmen James P. Hurley III (W-1) and Kenneth Jones (W-5) helped 150 Akron families have a happier Christmas when they helped hand out 1,000 toys, groceries and other door prizes at the annual North Akron Christmas Celebration over the holidays.Read MoreOutgoing Council clerk honored for 30 years of serviceDecember 16, 2008Outgoing Council Clerk Cheryl Prough was the target of commendations and accolades from Akron City Council and Mayor Don Plusquellic Monday evening.Read MoreActing police chief pledges cooperation with Council (1)December 16, 2008Akron’s newly appointed acting police chief addressed Akron City Council Monday night, pledging a new spirit of cooperation between Council and the Akron Police Department.Read MoreResidents say billboard restrictions not enoughDecember 10, 2008After hearing nearly a dozen citizens speak in opposition to a revised ordinance to limit billboards in the city during Monday night’s public hearing, Akron City Council will take more time to re-think the legislation.Read MorePublic hearing set for revised billboard ordinanceDecember 02, 2008Akron City Council will hold a public hearing Dec. 8 on a revised ordinance to place limits on billboard advertising in the city.Read MoreCouncil pauses Bridgestone Firestone plan to address neighborhood concernsNovember 19, 2008Ward 7 – Akron City Council will take another look at plans to build a new Bridgestone Firestone technical center in Firestone Park after hearing opposition to the urban renewal and redevelopment plan needed to move the project forward.Read MoreCouncil hears opposition to Rolling Acres auto salvage yardNovember 19, 2008Ward 9 – After hearing citizen concerns over water and quality of life issues for communities along Romig Road, Akron City Council will take time to consider an ordinance authorizing a conditional use to permit an auto salvage yard at 2039 Harlem Road, near Rolling Acres Mall.Read MoreCouncil authorizes $19 million sale of notes for major city improvementsNovember 17, 2008Akron City Council Monday night passed five ordinances providing for the issuance and sale of a total of $19 million of municipal notes – in anticipation of the issuance of municipal bonds – to pay for major improvements throughout the city.Read MoreUPDATE: Fall leaf removal schedule set; New bagging option availableNovember 17, 2008Leaf removal in the city began Oct. 22, but with an added service to make the process more convenient for some residents.Read MoreFire department to upgrade cardiac defibrillators and monitorsNovember 05, 2008Akron City Council Monday night passed legislation to authorize the city to spend $145,526 to upgrade the Akron Fire Division’s 18 cardiac monitors.Read MoreCouncil Clerk status maintainedNovember 05, 2008Akron voters Tuesday decided not to change the status of the Clerk of Council from a position in the mayor's administration to one appointed by Akron City Council.Read MoreCouncil approves $80,000 for emergency snow removalOctober 28, 2008Akron City Council last night (Oct. 27) passed an ordinance which authorizes the city’s Director of Public Service to enter into contracts with three private companies to aid city crews with snow and ice removal should a major storm hit the area again.Read MoreSommerville: Above all else, government's role is to consider the greater goodOctober 24, 2008Corporate responsibility and the government’s role in regulating it have been on the minds of many Americans lately.Read MoreVoters to decide on scholarship planOctober 24, 2008Akron high school graduates of the class of 2009 could have an opportunity that their predecessors may have never imagined in their lifetimes if a much-talked-about ballot issue passes Nov. 4.Read MoreCouncil urges "Yes" vote on Issue 5October 21, 2008Akron City Council unanimously passed a resolution of support for State Issue 5, the referendum on reform of payday lending, which appears on the Nov. 4 ballot.Read More